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“A GOOD FRENCH NOVEL” 


MADEMOISELLE DESROCHES 


BY 

Andre Theuriet, 

TRANSLATED FROM THE FRENCH 


By META DE VERE- 


WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY HARRY C. EDWARDS, 


i2mo. 320 Fag«s. Illustrated. Handsomely Bound in Cloth, 
Price, $1.00. Paper Cover, 60 Cents. 


Andre Theuriet is a name well known to readers of choice 
fiction. Her novels occupy a high place in modern French 
literature. Many of them have been tremslated and published 
here, but this one, so far as we can ascertain, is entirely new. 
It is the story of a French physician’s daughter brought up by a 
French peasant family, whose good sense and delicacy of feeling 
are strengthened by a simple country life. Her subsequent his- 
tory is full of interest, and shows how closely character and truth 
and romance are related. 

For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, 
on receipt of price, by the publishers, 

ROBERT BONNER’S SONS, 
r OR. William and Spruce Streets. New York 


MYNHEER JOE. 




n 


COPYKIGHT, 1893 
BY ROBERT BONNER’S SONS. 


(All rights reserved.) 



MYNHEER JOE. 


BOOK ONE, 

THE MESSENGER FROM KHARTOOM. 


CHAPTER 1. 

AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE CALLED ESBE- 
HIYEH. 

“Backsheesh!” hoarsely whispered a stout, red- 
faced travejler, bending over a small, nervous man, 
who, seated on the piazza in front of the well-known 
Shepherd’s Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, dashes off page 
after page of lead-pencil work, aided the lights 
that illumine the grand plaza. 

The latter individual never raises his eyes, but 
with a groan and a mechanical movement of the arm 
draws a piaster from his pocket and holds it up, 

[7] 


8 


MYNHEER JOE. 


which miserable coin is gravely taken by the man in 
the plaid suit and travelling helmet-hat. He does 
not move away, but stands there at the elbow of the 
scribe, waiting for that interminable scribbling to be 
done, and meanwhile watching the lively scene upon 
the great square of Esbehiyeh. 

It is certainly a sight good for foreign eyes, and 
one that will never be forgotten. Although the 
month is February, a delicious, balmy atmosphere 
hangs over the old city on the Nile. Music throbs 
upon the air, and, judging from the gay scenes to be 
met with after night closes in, it would be hard to 
believe the Mohammedan fast corresponding to our 
Lent is in progress. The Koran, however, only 
demands observance of strict rules from sunrise to 
sunset, so that in all oriental countries the devout 
worshipers make night a period of feasting. 

Just at the present period, man}’ lanterns and flam- 
beaux and lamps illumine the grand square, from 
which arise discordant sounds, a perfect babel of 
confusion. Here, under a cluster of palms, a snake- 
charmer handles his cobras with apparent impunity, 
boxing their heads and causing them to do all 
manner of strange things. Near by are dragomans, 
or guides, haggling with owners of donkeys, who, in 
turn, scold or cuff the boys in charge of the little 
beasts. 

Close by are fakirs, pretending to sell wonderful 
things for a trifle; mountebanks, dealers in turbans, 
fezes, relics and handkerchiefs, and a general con- 
glomeration of idle, curious strollers. 

The lights disclose a picture that can probably be 
looked upon in no other city save Damascus. Here 


AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE. 


9 


mingle Turks, with their red fez and national dress ; 
Arabs, in white bournous and turban ; native fellahin, 
or Egyptians, wearing blue gowns and the ever- 
lasting brown skull-cap; Jews, with long beards and 
sober garments; Nubians, Persians, Greeks and a 
sprinkling of foreigners. The red coats of British 
soldiers give way pretty much to the sensible white 
that is worn in all hot countries; still there is 
enough to lend color to the kaleidoscopic picture. 

The stout man sees all this Avithout emotion; 
he seldom if ever, allows himself to be so deeply 
interested in anything as to forget himself. Stand- 
ing just back of the tilted chair of the smaller man, 
who writes sheet after sheet with railroad rapidity, 
he puffs away at his cigar and calmly waits for the 
time to come when his friend will have exhausted 
the subject or blunted all his pencils. Everything 
comes to the one who has patience, and this is the 
most prominent trait in the character of the stout 
tourist. 

“ Eureka ! I have done it ! Glowing description ! 
Burning rhetoric ! Do you proud, my boy! Now 
I ’d give a piaster to run across Grimes.” 

He has hardly spoken these words half aloud, 
when the man with the florid face and heavy hand 
deliberately raps him on the shoulder. 

“ Pay your debts, young man. 1 claim the reward 
by virtue of discovery. Here’s one miserable 
Turkish coin you’ve shoved on me. French money 
is preferred,” he says, solemnly. 

“ Oh ! It was you who groaned ^ Backsheesh T in 
my ear, was it? I ’ve heard little else since I struck 
Egypt. It’s a howling paradise of beggars. I go 


10 


MYNHEER JOE. 


lo bed with a bag of piasters — give ’em out in my 
sleep, I assure you, Grimes.” 

Sandy Barlow is the correspondent of a great 
daily journal in the United States, and is never 
known to be in anything but a hurry. In piping 
times of peace he finds material to employ his pencil 
in various foreign countries, and his letters have 
been considered fine reading on account of their 
piquancy and crisp style, characteristic of everything 
the man does. 

Those who know Sandy best have discovered that 
the war correspondent has a vvarm heart, and will 
readily go out of his way to help one whom he 
counts a friend. This stout gentleman whom he 
calls Grimes is — so rumor says — the wealthy owner 
of several mines in Colorado, about which he occa- 
sionally speaks. He keeps his own counsel, how- 
ever, and any one who is a good judge of physiog- 
nomy would have little difficulty in reading on his 
resolute face all the signs that go to make up a de- 
termined character. 

“ Are you at liberty, Barlow ? If so, I ’d like to 
have a little talk,” remarks the silver king. 

“ Great Caesar ! Why didn’t you say so before.? 
Singular man ! Didn’t want to interrupt the flow 
of genius, eh? But I’d drop even my pencil to 
oblige you.” 

‘‘There was no great need of haste. You were 
the first one I thought of when old Tanner brought 
me the news. You know him ?” 

“ Like a book! Gruff old party ; lovely daughter, 
Molly. Go on! What was his news? Is England 
aroused at last to the emergency?” 


AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE. 


11 


“Just the contrary. Listen to what I say: Old 
Tanner tells me his dahabeah, or house-boat, has 
just come down the river; they left it some two 
hundred miles above and hastened on by railroad 
to Cairo. This evening it arrived, and the reis, or 
captain, called upon him at the hotel here with cer- 
tain news that has given Tanner some uneasiness. 
He was puzzled to know what use to make of it, 
and, seeing me, put the whole case in my hands. I 
have promised to go down to the boat and interview 
the man who is now asleep on board — a man they 
picked up afloat on the river far above — and who 
they imagine is some sort of messenger sent down 
from Khartoom by General Gordon.” 

Sandy Barlow is out of his chair like a shot, all 
eagerness and animation. 

“ Come on !” he exclaimed. “ I ’m in this game. 
Great Cassar ! If I can get the only authentic 
account of that event ! What keeps you, man ?” 

“ I’m not ready to go yet. Don’t make a scene, 
Sandy, and, above all, whisper not a word of the 
truth. The False Prophet has many friends in Cairo 
who would like nothing better than a chance at this 
person who comes from the south, with scimiter or 
yataghan. Sit down again while we talk it over.” 

Sandy has hard work subduing his intense eager- 
ness to discover the truth, but he is equal to great 
emergencies, and finally sinks back in his chair. As 
for Mr. Grimes, the silver king, he straddles a rat- 
tan seat and rests his arms across the back in the 
most careless manner imaginable. 

“What did the old orator seem to think of his 
men picking up a passenger?” asks Sandy. 


12 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ He was wrathy at &rst, until he found the man 
was a Frank, or foreigner. That made it all right. 
He hates these swarthy natives — Turks, fellah and 
Arab.” 

Yes, I have heard him whisper gentle words 
about them in his own peculiar way. Lovely soft 
voice the Honorable Demosthenes has. Reminds 
me of a steam foghorn.” 

“ Hush ! Here comes his daughter !” 

“ Miss Molly, for all the world !” mutters the cor- 
respondent between his teeth. 

A vision in white floats up to where they are 
seated, and both men spring to their feet. This 
American girl is a fair, fresh picture— a healthy 
daughter of the land across the sea. She is not 
actually beautiful, but there is a charm about face 
and manner that draws hosts of friends to her side. 
Mollie Tanner is a taking girl, vivacious, quick, 
tender-hearted — true. You can read her constancy 
in the clear, frank, fearless gray eyes. Lucky the 
man who wins her heart. It will be for all time. 

“ Oh, Mr. Grimes, I have been looking for you 
everywhere ! I feared you had gone !” exclaims the 
young lady, laying a white hand, which shows some 
traces of sunburn, on the arm of the mining king. 

“ Fortune favors me. Miss Molly. In what way 
can I do you a service?” 

“ You see, the governor has just been telling me 
all about that poor man on board our boat, and I 
feel so sorry ! I would like to know whether there 
is anything I can do for him.” 

Some people might be shocked to hear Molly 
Tanner thus designate her parent, but the word is 


AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE. 


13 


uttered with such tenderness that the same persons 
would secretly listen in the hope of hearing it 
again. 

Mr. Grimes and the correspondent exchange 
glances, and then smile. 

“ Really, until we have seen the party, we cannot 
exactly say,” begins the former. 

That ’s just it ! Why not allow me to accom- 
pany you to the boat ?” 

The girl speaks eagerly, as though she has quite 
set her heart upon it. 

“ Your father would not consent.” 

“ Leave that to me — f can manage him !” 

“ And I reckon you’re about the only one who 
can. Miss Molly. Outside of that I don’t believe it 
would be safe. You see, to reach the river where 
the boat is tied up, we have to pass through one of 
the worst quarters of the city called Musr, and with 
a lady in our company, there might be trouble. 
No, I am sorry to refuse, but I must positively 
decline to accept the responsibility.” 

Molly Tanner does not pout, but laughs, proving 
that while the old governor has done his best to spoil 
her, he has not yet succeeded. 

“Very well, 1 shall not insist, Mr. Grimes; but 
when you return, promise to let me know how the 
young German pilgrim is,” she says. 

“Who- said he is German; your father did not 
say anything of that sort to me?” declares the stout 
silver king, in some surprise. 

“ Perhaps I only judged it from his name. You 
know the Germans and Italians are working down 
along the East Coast.” 


14 : 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Even his name the governor neglected to state. 
What might it be, Miss Molly ?” asked Grimes. 

“ I am sure he said Mynheer Joe.” 

‘ Mynheer Joe !’ ” gasps Sandy Barlow. 

“ Mynheer Joe !” drops from the usually unde- 
monstrative silver king, now greatly excited. 

“Why, gentlemen, w1iat is the matter? You 
seem to be astonished ?” says Molly, surveying first 
one and then the other in wonder. 

“‘Astonished?’ I 'm dumfounded — knocked all in 
a heap — flabbergasted ! To think that I should 
meet my dear Joe again in this way !” bursts out the 
impetuous correspondent. 

“ And, on my part, after all, I ’m not surprised. 
It ’s just what I might have expected, knowing what 
I do of the man. Yes, Mynheer Joe has been with 
Gordon at Khartoom ; he was last heard of there. 
Now we shall see what news he brings. I am ready 
if you are, Mr. Barlow ?” 

Sandy smiles as he remembers that this man, now 
all eagerness to depart, was in no hurry before, but 
took things in a cool manner, as though the world 
was not made in a day, and Obed Grimes had no 
need of haste. Circumstances alter cases, and the 
mere mention of a name has put new energy in Mr. 
Grimes. 

Nor is the war correspondent less eager to be on 
the way. He has received something of a shock 
upon hearing Molly speak that name. Memories of 
the past are recalled, which take him to other 
scenes. 

“You will pardon us for leaving you says the 
polite Mr. Grimes to the young girl 


AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE. 


15 


Certainly. Indeed, you cannot go too soon to 
please me. I am anxious to hear what this poor 
man has to say. To me General Gordon has always 
been the hero of heroes, and any one who comes 
from him demands my attention and sympathy. 
Go then to this poor German, see what he most 
needs, and if Molly Tanner or her father can in any 
way help him, do not neglect to give me notice.” 

Again the two men glance toward each other and 
smile, but although she sees this, there is no explana- 
tion made of their actions. 

Bowing to the young American girl, they turn 
away, leaving the piazza of the hotel. 

“Remember!” floats her warning voice after 
them, and Mr. Grimes, turning, waves his hand. 

Then they are lost in the crowd that jostle elbows 
in the square called Esbehiyeh, in front of Shep- 
herd’s Hotel. Around them sound the voices of 
dragoman and fakir, mule driver and peddler, 
mountebank and camel driver, while the barking of 
dogs can be heard everywhere, the streets of Cairo 
literally running wild with curs. 

“Are you armed?” asks the correspondent, as 
they cross the grand plaza and head into a street 
that leads from it down to the river Nile. 

The silver king chuckles. 

“ Never go without a revolver, my boy. Learned 
that habit years ago,” he replies. 

“Yes, you Western men generally do carry a 
whole armory on deck. Beastly region we have to 
pass through. Black as— as — well, Egypt.” 

“ Let’s hire a light — no getting around in this 
quarter without one.” 


16 


MYNHEER JOE. 


They discover near by one of those link-boys, 
whose trade is fast dying out in Cairo since the 
improvements advanced by British rule. Time 
was, and not so very long ago either, when, after 
sunset on moonless nights, the great city on the 
Nile was wrapped in darkness, and the law compelled 
any one moving abroad to carry a lighted lantern 
or flambeau. 

The city being divided into three distinct quarters, 
separated by gates, and known as the regions of 
Copts, Jews, and Franks, no one could pass through 
after nightfall unless bearing a light. 

In many parts of the strange, whited city on the 
east bank of the Nile, it is still necessary to carry a 
torch or lantern, unless one means to invite all man- 
ner of dangers, although the law with regard to this 
thing has fallen into desuetude since the English 
have made so many innovations with their charge 
of affairs after the bombardment of Alexandria in 
1882. 

A boy is engaged to go ahead with a light, and 
the two Franks, as all foreigners are called in Egypt, 
boldly plunge into the lower region of Cairo, front- 
ing on the Nile. 

Now and then they pass remarks and joke, for 
the newspaper correspondent is nothing if not 
humorous. The frequent mention of that singular 
name, Mynheer Joe," proclaims that they are 
exchanging confidences regarding their experiences 
in connection with this person in the past. 

Sandy is frank in all he says, and there can be no 
doubt regarding his fervid admiration for the man 













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AT shepherd’s, on the square. 


17 


whom they expect to find on board the dahabeah of 
Demosthenes Tanner. 

“ It was at the storming of Alexandria 1 first met 
Mynheer Joe. I was then; as now, a correspondent, 
and ready to undergo all manner of dangers, in 
order to get the freshest news, even to holding a 
wire all day rather than let another man beat me. 

“ When the time came to land, in order to save 
the city from the mob, Arabi being defeated, I found 
myself thrown in the company of one who was a 
st7*anger to me. He came from a British war-ship. 
Liked his looks from the first, and side by side we 
went through the streets of Alexandria. Firing all 
around us — got in numerous little engagements; 
was once surrounded by a pack of howling native 
troops, who thought they could wipe us out. Mr. 
Grimes, you missed the sight of your life in failing 
to see how Gordon’s friend stood off those curs. 
Bless my soul ! 1 can shut my eyes and look on the 

whole thing yet. 1 never saw such a fire-eater in 
action, and yet in repose Joe is as meek as a lamb. 

“ After that I froze to him. We saw some weeks 
in company — weeks I have never forgotten, because 
I loved that man. Then I was ordered to watch the 
Italian operations about Abyssinia, while Joe went 
to find Chinese Gordon. I lost track of him, but 
have never ceased to feel the deepest interest in his 
work, as an explorer second only to Stanley and 
Emin Pasha. Now you can understand'my intense 
delight upon hearing that the man we are going to 
see is no other than my comrade in Alexandria, 
Mynheer Joe.” 

Xhis is abowt the longest consecutive narrative 


18 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Mr. Grimes has ever heard Sandy give utterance to, 
which marks the power of that magical name. On 
his part, the silver king does not prove so confiding. 
He speaks of the man who interests them both as 
though acquainted with his past ; but whether he 
has ever personally met him, Sandy finds it impos- 
sible to say. 

Meanwhile, they have been making progress in 
the direction of the river. A light of some sort is 
positively needed in theae streets after nightfall, 
moon or no moon, on account of the peculiar custom 
of building. 

The houses, as a general rule, are three stories in 
height. As the street itself is but an alley, barely 
ten feet in width, and each story of the houses pro- 
jects beyond the one below, it is easy to shake hands 
from the neighboring roofs. Even this small space 
is often covered with mats, to keep out the garish 
light of day, which, reflected from the white walls, 
dazzles the eyes. 

In these narrow streets, men stand in groups 
engaged 'in discussion or barter, now and then 
gently pushed aside by the nose of some camel 
advancing silently, the “ ship of the desert ” being, 
besides the donkey, the only burden-bearer allowed 
in the native section. 

Here and there a light is seen moving along, as 
some sheik proceeds homeward ; but, as a general 
thing, darkness hangs over the street. In many of 
the houses, no doubt, gayety abounds ; but Arab and 
Moor believe in keeping their homes sacred from 
tlie public, and^only huge piles of whitened bricks 
lie on every side. 


AT shepherd’s, on THE SQUARE. 


19 


As yet they have met with no adventure, and the 
distance between the grand square and the river 
has been diminished by half. This savors of rare 
good luck, for it is not always that a Frank can 
traverse this region, at such an hour, unmolested. 

Cairo abounds in rascals who do not fear the Eng- 
lish law, however much they may respect the native 
koorbash and stocks. It is not a sin or a crime to 
rob a foreigner — unless caught in the act. That is 
the way they look at it. 

Sandy knows this, if his companion does not hap- 
pen to be so thoroughly posted with regard to the 
customs of the city on the Nile. He continues to 
keep his eyes about him, and does not let the Arab 
who carries the flambeau get beyond his reach, 
knowing that in all probability in case of an attack 
the first act of the dusky rascal will be to fly 
and leave them in darkness to meet the foe. They 
have even cut down the distance to a fourth and 
soon the light will fall upon the waters of the river, 
when the war correspondent bends suddenly for- 
ward and snatches the torch from the hand of the 
astonished bearer. 




CHAPTER 11. 

. THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 

Mr. Grimes sees the action and does not appear 
to be at all surprised — indeed, he rarely deviates 
from the steady repose that marks him as a won- 
derfully nervy man. 

Something glistens in his hand — it is a revolver, 
and the light gives the blue steel a cruel as well as 
a cold look. Evidently the stout tourist is ready to 
take care of himself. 

Sandy has clutched the torch, which he at once 
raises above his head. Half a dozen ragged forms 
have sprung into view beyond. Perhaps some arch 
has secreted them until now. There can be no 
mistaking their intentions, for quickly they advance, 
spreading out as if to prevent the Franks, who have 
thus wandered into their net, from escaping. 

“ Backsheesh !'" they clatter like a lot of monkeys, 
holding out begrimed hands and scowling. 

There is only one way to treat these rascals — if 
you comply with their demands they grow more 
and more importunate, until they finally proceed to 
openly rob their victim. 

[ 20 ] 




THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 


21 


“Stand back!" cries Sandy with a roar, as he 
swings the flambeau around his head. 

They understand enough English to know what 
he is saying — at any rate, his actions are doubly 
significant — but, believing they can rule the ranch 
by mere force of numbers, the ragged beggars 
continue to push forward, thus hemming the two 
whites in. 

Although small in point of stature, Sandy is a 
warrior, every inch of him, and, as might be expected 
from his nervous manner, possessed of an inflam- 
mable temper. When the nearest of the rogues 
pushes within reaching distance and clutches at him 
with bony fingers, the newspaper-man brings the 
flaming torch, with a resounding thump, against the 
top of the beggar’s head. It does not affect the 
link, beyond sending forth a shower of sparks, but 
the unfortunate recipient of the blow, finding sparks 
in his long hair, utters vociferous shouts and dances 
with the fervor of a dervish. 

This is deemed a signal for a general assault all 
along the line, and for the space of sixty seconds 
there is seen a spectacle rarely equaled in the nar- 
row streets of old Cairo. 

At first, the two foreigners are averse to using 
their firearms, and endeavor to inspire terror in the 
breasts of their enemies by a generous exhibition of 
muscle. 

When Sandy has to dodge a fiendish blow from a 
wicked dagger, he thinks it about- time they pro- 
ceeded to sterner measures. 

Sandy opens on the rag-tag-and-bobtail crowd, 
as he terms them, seeking to inflict wounds and 


22 


MYNHEER JOE. 


create a diversion. He is immediately backed up 
by his companion. His strong, white teeth hold 
fast to his cigar, and even as he lets drive at a dark- 
faced fellah who seeks to cleave him with an Algerian 
yataghan, the silver king puffs out a small cloud of 
smoke. Talk about coolness! Here you have it in 
a human iceberg. Sandy holds his breath while 
looking at this strange companion, and wonders 
whether he would show excitement in the heat of 
battle. 

This sort of a reception is hardly to the liking of 
the cowardly curs who have appeared daring simply 
because their numbers gave them confidence. 

At the first shot most of them began to glance 
over their shoulders. This is a sure sign of a desire 
to retreat. Then comes hotter work. Sandy no 
longer waits for them to come to him, but with his 
revolver in one hand and the flaming torch whirling 
about his head he leaps toward the footpads. 

This is too much for them — they break and fly 
with cries of terror, some springing up the street 
while others go down hi the direction of the river. 

In a marvelously short space of time the street is 
empty save for one poor fellow, who, shot in the 
leg, is hopping off as fast as his good peg will 
carry him, calling on Mohammed to save him from 
the foreign tigers. 

In any other city under the sun, such a commo- 
tion at dead of night would create an intense excite- 
ment. Not so in Cairo. The white walls shut them 
in, pierced by minute windows that allow little 
chance of street gazing. Those who hear the 
sounds of war are discreet enough to know that it 


THE MAN WHO SAW BKAVE GORDON FALL. 


23 


is none of their business, and that they will be better 
off away. 

“ Look out behind you, sir!” calls Sandy, and the 
silver king- turns suddenly to cover a creeping 
figure that has advanced from a dark-arched door- 
way, whereupon the most piteous jargon is heard, 
and behold the suspected assassin turns out to be 
their torch -bearer, who, having witnessed the hot 
little affair from a place of security, is now crawling 
back to resume his interrupted duties. 

They welcome him gladly, and Sandy relieves 
himself of the flambeau, glad to be rid of it. As 
there are no more footpads in view to give them 
battle, they again take up their line of march for 
the river, fortunately close at hand. 

Mr. Grimes has had explicit directions from Mr. 
Tanner how to reach the boat, and a suspicion has 
already entered his head that the ambuscade into 
which they ran may have been arranged by the reis 
of the sailing craft to relieve his rich employer of 
superfluous wealth. These Arabs and natives are up 
to all manner of tricks to gain filthy lucre, and old 
travellers become so accustomed to teachery that 
they are surprised at nothing, and learn to depend 
upon themselves entirel}^ 

He even mentions the fact, as it occurs to him, to 
Sandy, who declares there is a strong element of 
probability about it, and in the same breath swears 
that, if the occasion offers, he will sift the matter to 
the bottom and wring the neck of the wily old reis if 
such a course is necessary to extract the truth. 

“ The river !” calls out their guide in his native 
tongue ; and the fact arouses the two men to new 


24 : 


MYNHEER JOE. 


interest, as they remember why they have come 
here. 

A minute later and they stand upon the edge of 
the Nile. Just here the bank is high, and at this sea- 
son of the year the water reaches its lowest stage to 
the south, though at Cairo there is always plenty. 

Below them they can see lights upon numerous 
vessels, some anchored out in the river, others tied 
up at the docks. Voices, too, come over the water 
from the west — men are singing on some of the 
coasters that ascend the river from the Mediterra- 
nean. All the typical boats seen upon this great sea 
can be found on the lower Nile. Here are schoon- 
ers, brigs, ships, men-of-war — the baggala, felucca, 
xebec, settee and even a patamer from India, while 
numerous smaller craft and dahabeahs suited to 
travel on the Nile dot the surface of the river by 
day, making a scene worth remembering. 

Our two friends can discern nothing of this now 
since darkness rests like a pall over the water, 
relieved only by the riding lights and lamps on 
board the numerous craft. Their attention is 
directed at once to a point immediately below, 
where the gleam of several lights proclaims the pres- 
ence of a boat. 

As they advance, they make out the clean-cut 
model of a new dahabeah, and can see the dark- 
skinned Egyptian sailors squatted on deck forward, 
while aft, the cabin, painted snow-white, is easily 
distinguishable. 

The boat is tied to a dilapidated dock, but, for 
some reason, is also anchored a dozen feet away. A 
long gang-plank leads from the shore on board. 


THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 


^0 


Sandy orders the torch-bearer to lead the way, and 
in order to make sure of the fellow’s attendance 
when they have need of his services again, neglects 
to pay him. 

Thus they trip across the plank and reach the 
roof of the cabin, where the captain meets them — 
a man with grizzled beard, white turban and flowing 
robes. Upon his face Sandy reads a look of per- 
plexity and disappointment, and from this moment 
he knows the truth — that they really owe their 
adventure to this reis, who, believing millionaire 
Tanner would come to the boat, arranged to have 
his pockets tapped while en route. 

These captains all talk fairly good English, 
although their hatred for the foreigner seems to be 
an inherited quality. Outwardly the}^ may appear 
jolly and as me^ as lambs, but inwardly they are 
ravenous wolves. 

Sandy has a habit of pushing himself forward ; 
not that he means to be rude, but it is a character- 
istic of his impetuous nature. To his credit be it 
said, the same thing urges him on in times of 
danger. He is always found in the van. 

“ This boat is the Alice f he asks boldly. 

The captain removes the stem of his long pipe 
from his mouth, and gravely nods his head in an 
affirmative way. 

We have come direct from Mr. Tanner, to whom 
you are engaged for the season.” 

Another solemn nod. 

“ Unable to come himself, he has sent us to see 
the man you picked up on the Nile — a man who was 
once my friend.” 


26 


MYNHEER JOE. 


The native captain looks at him closely, as though 
mentally figuring just where he should place Sandy. 
Then he smiles blandly and holds out his hand. 

“ If his friend, then mine. I have suffered at the 
hands of El Mahdi, and he who is an enemy to the 
False Prophet is my brother. Shake !” 

Sandy complies, and gives the old reis such a 
Freemason grip that it wrings a groan from the 
dark-skinned owner of the dahabeah Alice, 

“ Now lead us to your guest. We are in haste,” 
he says, with an assumption of authority that no one 
ventures to dispute ; for, despite his lack of majestic 
proportions, the war correspondent has the air of 
one born to command. It is not stature that makes 
a leader like Napoleon. 

“ Follow, gentlemen,” says the captain, with a 
majestic wave of his hand. 

They obey willingly. The door of the cabin is 
close by. On either side are the steps leading to the 
promenade on the roof, over which an awning is 
stretched, for it is here that the tourist lives during 
the day, for the cabin, beginning amidships, extends 
to the stern. When the cabin-door is opened, they 
behold a splendid interior. Money has not been 
spared in fitting out the and only a millionaire 

like Tanner could engage such a lovely craft for the 
season. 

A lamp is turned low, so that something of a dim- 
ness rests upon the interior, but the sharp eyes of 
Sandy have already discovered the figure of a man 
upon a divan. 

“ Enter, gentlemen,” says the old reis. 

Straight across the luxuiious cabin strides the 


THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 


27 


newspaper correspondent direct to the lamp, which, 
with a turn, he causes to send forth a flood of light. 
Then he faces the recumbent figure on the couch ; 
recumbent no longer, for as though the voice of the 
reis at the cabin-door has broken the chain of slumber 
which exhaustion has forged around him, the casta- 
way of the Nile has raised his body with one arm 
and looks at them in a way that proclaims his bewil- 
derment ; the bright light dazzles his eyes, too, so 
that with his other hand he shades them. 

It is a picture — Sandy, standing there, bending 
eagerly forward, his eyes glued upon the bearded 
face of the other, and actually holding his breath as 
he gazes spell-bound. The man who thus half raises 
himself upon the couch is worthy of a second look. 
His figure is splendidly proportioned, though not 
above the ordinary in point of size. It is the face 
that must interest an observer most of all — a face 
that is marked by determination, valor and frank 
fearlessness. This man has seen suffering in the 
past ; he shows it in his eyes, and yet it has not 
crushed the spirit that leads the explorer to seek 
new honor and renown amid the dangers of unknown 
wilds, pestilential swamps or in the depths of an 
African desert. 

Eye looks into eye as Sandy Barlow stands there ; 
then the correspondent exclaims, with a ring of sat- 
isfaction in his voice : 

“ Mynheer Joe, for all the world !” 

“ Sandy, is it you, my dear fellow ? Where 
under the sun did you drop from?” asks the other, 
holding out the hand that has ^en used to shield 


28 


MYNHEER JOE. 


his eyes from the light, though he does not alter his 
position one particle. 

The correspondent seizes hold of the hand thus 
offered in greeting, his very enthusiasm showing 
what he feels at heart. 

“ Bless you, old boy, it ’s good for sore eyes to see 
you again, and looking as natural as ever. Never 
have I ceased to remember the days of ‘ auld lang 
syne,’ when we two did the Nile in company. Talk 
about fate in our first meeting — it doesn’t hold a 
candle to this! Same old grasp, same old Joe!” 
and he works the prodigal’s arm like a pump- 
handle, while rattling along in this strain. 

“ Quartered in Cairo, Sandy — writing up the 
beauties of lower Egypt as a winter resort, or have 
you been appointed a consul here?” asks the other, 
with a jolly laugh that causes Mr. Grimes to wonder 
what stuff this man can be made of to be so com- 
posed and even merry after what he has gone 
through. 

“ That ’s not my luck. Still pegging away at the 
old business. Makes both ends meet and gives me 
a chance to see the world. But see here ! Con- 
found m}^ stupidity ! Here’s a friend of yours 
waiting to meet you, and I’ve been monopolizing 
your time.” 

Mynheer Joe raises himself to a sitting posture 
and faces the silver king, who hesitates for a few 
seconds and then comes forward. 

“Pardon me!” he says, frankly. “You have 
made a mistake, Sandy. I did not claim to be a 
friend of Mynheer Joe, only a fellow-countryman, 
and one who has heard much about him and takes a 


THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 


29 


deep interest in his welfare. Obed Grimes, at your 
service, Mr. Miner.’’ 

The explorer possibly catches some significance 
back of his words. At any rate, he looks at the 
stout gentleman with the florid countenance as 
though intent upon studying out a problem ; but 
noticing the outstretched hand, accepts it in his 
usual hearty way. Now and then, during the sub- 
sequent interview, while the correspondent plies 
him with questions. Mynheer Joe can be seen to 
keep a reflective eye upon Mr. Grimes. Perhaps 
he is endeavoring to place the wealthy miner ; and 
yet the latter has declared they have not met 
before. 

Sandy thinks only of one thing now. True, he 
has been especially pleased to meet with one he 
regards so highly; but this feeling has now given 
way to the instinct of his craft. He has been edu- 
cated up to being a newspaper man above all else, 
and, like all others of his calling, has a keen nose 
for news. To be the first at the wire with startling 
information is the dream of Sandy Barlow's daily 
life. 

Here he sees a golden opportunity for making 
a ten-strike. The whole civilized world hangs 
in suspense awaiting definite news of the heroic 
Chinese Gordon’s fate. Rumors have been rife 
almost daily, sometimes detailing his death and 
again giving accounts of some wonderful victory 
over fifty thousand dervishes, as the followers of 
El Mahdi are called, his own force numbering but 
two thousand. 

Like a shuttle-cock, dashed hither and yon by the 


30 


MYNHEEK JOE. 


battledores, has this subject been kept on the go for 
weeks, and up to this black night in February no 
definite news has been received which settles Gor- 
don’s fate. 

Thus Sandy’s dreadful impatience is explained ; 
the wide-awake correspondent is aroused to the 
exigencies of the hour, and for the benefit of the 
waiting civilized world would seize and send out 
an authentic account of the tragedy of ill-fated 
Khartoom. 

Mechanically he draws out his note-book and, 
pencil in hand, prepares to take down in shorthand 
what may be said — a proceeding Mynheer Joe eyes 
with a smile. 

“ Pardon me, my friends, but I am almost starved. 
When I went to sleep, the captain here said he 
would have a meal ready for me when I awoke. I 
was hungry then, but could keep awake only long 
enough to take a cup of coffee and a bite. How is 
it, captain ? Will you keep your word ?” 

The dusky Ben Hassan Effendi, nods and gives a 
signal with his hands. Immediately two fellahin 
appear. One carries a tray covered with 'a white 
napkin ; the other lays a cloth upon the little round 
table. Almost like magic, a savory, steaming meal 
is thus placed in front of the hungry Mynheer Joe, 
after which the magician waves his hand, and his 
followers vanish as if into thin air. 

“Your pardon, gentlemen. I have fasted for 
some days now, and the aroma arising from this 
spread is too much for me to withstand. Captain, 
how long have I slept ?” 


THE MAN WHO SAW BRAVE GORDON FALL. 


31 


“Twenty-seven hours, gentlemen,” gravely an- 
nounces the old reis. 

“ Incredible !” exclaims Mr. Grimes. 

“ Eat, my boy! Jove! You may go to sleep 
again, unless you get 3^our jaws working! I’ve 
heard of such things as people sleeping for days,” 
cries Sandy, with an air that plainly marks the 
martyr, and says : “ Don’t consider me — I can 

wait.” 

So Mynheer Joe does ample justice to the meal 
set before him and, when ten minutes have passed, 
very little remains of what was brought in. At the 
same time something of the pinched look has left 
his face, and he seems more like the man Sandy 
remembers. 

The correspondent has been surveying the interior 
of the cabin curiously, endeavoring to keep down 
the spirit of impatience that makes a minute seem 
an hour. He knows his friend has great need of all 
the sustenance he can secure at present, and hence 
will not allow his own selfish motives to triumph. 

As he finishes his survey of the gay decorations 
upon the walls of the cabin, where scores of novel- 
ties add to the picturesque appearance of the scene, 
Sandy hears a sigh of deep satisfaction, and wheel- 
ing about is just in time to see the captain, at a 
signal from the pilgrim, clap his hands, when the 
two attendants dart in, removing the debris. 

“ Gentlemen — one favor. In the name of mercy, 
have either of 3’ou — a cigar?” asks the recent diner, 
in a tragic voice. 

He has a choice weed in a second, and ere three 
pass, fire has been applied to it. 


3 ^ 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Richard is himself again — first cigar in seven 
niontlis — think of it,” he says melodramatically. 

“ Now, my dear fellow, pardon my beastly haste, 
but after midnight I lose the wire. Can you tell 
me whether Gordon is dead or alive ?” 

Mynheer Joe drops his head suddenly, and some- 
thing like a groan come from his lips. 

“ Gordon is dead,” he replies, slowly, “ with these 
eyes I saw him fall, and this right arm struck his 
murderer, cleaving him to the chin.” 




t CHAPTER III. 

I THE TRAGEDY OF THE NILE. 

I At these words, both Americans look very grave, 
I and even Ben Hassan, standing near by, seems as 
i though appalled. Faith in the astonishing powers 
I of Chinese Gordon has always given those who 
I know him an idea that nothing could ever over- 
i come him. ‘ 

He was a man absolutely without fear, with a fine 
I Christian character, respected everywhere by the 
I natives, for his personality was something far 
I beyond the ordinary. For six months and more, 
[ this valiant man has been shut up within the walls 
of Khartoom, with a few thousand miserable native 
troops facing fifty thousand dervishes of El Mahdi. 
j Without the presence of Gordon, these troops would 
I not hold out a day against the enemy. 

There, with a few faithful officers and friends, he 
has held out from week to month, hurling back the 
I legions of the False Prophet and holding the debat- 
i able ground against the slave-traders, waiting for 
1 the rescue that will come too late ; for England, the 
! more shame to her, being engaged in political dis- 
' cussions, delays sending a relief-column until it 

[33] 


34 : 


MYNHEER JOE. 


becomes a necessity on account of the clamor of the 
people, which column will find Khartoom in the 
hands of the enemy, and Gordon — lost, 

“ This is sad news you bring, Joe,” says the news- 
paper man, at length. 

“ Sad, yes ; but true, too true. England has, b}^ 
her vacillating policy, murdered the bravest of her 
sons. How blind the powers that be ! This will 
topple over the ministry quicker than anything else 
on earth. The people loved Gordon because his 
motives were always honorable.” 

The man from Khartoom speaks quietly, as if he 
has long since learned to look Upon the disaster with 
composure. He is not one given to emotion, at any 
rate, as a glance into his face would inform an 
observer. 

“ Tell us about it, Joe,” bursts out the impetuous 
Sandy, note-book and pencil in hand. 

The other passes one hand wearily across his brow, 
as though he would clear away the cobwebs time 
has spun about his brain. 

“ It is hardly a propitious time for entering into 
details, my friend. I am willing to speak, but I 
know you will pardon me if I simply sketch the 
matter lightly.” 

“Yes, yes, tell what you please, Joe.” 

Mr. Grimes and the reis say nothing; only moving 
a little closer to the messenger from Khartoom, in 
order to hear how Gordon fell. It is a subject 
which must interest the whole world. Millions will, 
later on, read the story of his desertion and death in 
that town on the Nile, and from every country 
under the sun will breathe curses against Old Eng- 


THE TRAGEDY OF THE NILE. 


35 


land for the cowardly policy that has ended in this 
way. 

“ You know what took Gordon to Khartoom and 
the sacred work to v^dlich he devoted his life. He 
was the deadly enemy of the slave-trader, and long 
ago declared that his life would be spent in endeav- 
oring to break up that terrible trade on the upper 
Nile. The rattle of slave-chains was the most hated 
sound he knew, and it was this that made him hold 
on even when doom stared him in the face. 

“ I know his mind, for I have talked with him day 
by day, and found Gordon a rock. He could 
a dozen times have saved himself by flight, but he 
would not desert his post. Heaven sent him there, 
and at Khartoom he would remain, the rock of 
Egypt, until the longed-for line of British troops 
appeared in view or doom came. 

“ What we went through with during those 
months heaven alone knows. Day alter day we 
fought the black dervishes of the desert, and thous- 
ands laid down their lives in front of Khartoom’s 
walls. Now it was a sally ; anon, an attack. We 
might have even won on a certain occasion but for 
the treachery of certain leaders. Gordon tried 
them later, and all were shot. He would not stand 
insubordination. 

“Thus months passed. We endured all that can 
come during that pestilential season from Jul}^ 
when the city was invested. The weeks passed us 
by in a way that was maddening. Our eyes were 
strained looking for the succor that never came. 
Through it all Gordon was the same man I have 
ever known him, cheerful, sober and never faltering. 


36 


MYNHEER JOE. 


If it wasjlis fate to die at his post, death would find 
him ready. 

“ 1 shall never, while 1 have breath, cease to 
remember that man with all the wonder and admir- 
ation my soul can express. God never made a 
human being more in the mold of a hero than when 
he gave us Gordon. The world will keep his mem- 
ory green forever. 

“Thus, as the months passed away, our stores 
grew low, and a spirit of discontent arose. Money 
was scarce, and the soldiers were in a state of con- 
stant irritation bordering on frenzy. Mutiny would 
long since have broken out but for the astonishing 
power this man seemed to have over his subjects. I 
marveled at it then, iuid it will never cease to be a 
source of wonder to me. 

“ At last came the fatal hour when this magnetism 
could no longer hold the fragments of his little 
army together. I knew it was coming as well as 
I knew anything. Signs pointed to it from all 
quarters, and eacli morning as the sun arose in the 
east I wondered whether it would ever be my good 
fortune to look on its setting again. 

“ Gordon never despaired of a rescue. He had 
no doubt prepared for the worst, but his faith in 
the ultimate coming of his comrades was sublime. 
‘They will come to-morrow,’ he would say each 
night as the darkness settled about us, and deep 
down in my heart 1 firmly believed that to-morrow 
would never arrive. 

“Thus the days moved along, each sun showing 
new difficulties that at its setting Gordon had 
managed to smooth over in a way that was simply 


THE TRAGEDY OF THE NILE. 37 

V 

marvelous ; but each time I noticed that things 
.looked worse, and it 'was only a question of how 
long it would be ere certain matters came into con- 
junction, -and bore us under. What I most dreaded 
was a mutiny during one of the enemy’s fierce 
assaults. Should a portion of our troops turn upon 
us, even the fierce ardor of the Bashi Bazouks who 
remained faithful could not keep Gordon’s life 
sacred. 

“ My fears proved to be well grounded, as you 
shall soon see. It happened on the 26th day of 
January, and that should be a day of mourning for 
all time to come in England. 

“ Gordon came from his room that morning as 
cheerful as was his wont, and ready to meet the 
duties of the day, whatever Heaven might send him. 
The storm was gathering, but his presence had 
chased away the clouds so often that all of us had 
come to believe him as invincible. 

“ We knew the enemy was about to make a des- 
perate assault, but, we had hurled them back from 
the walls of Khartoom so often, in bleeding masses, 
that we did not doubt our ability to do the same 
thing again, although ammunition was beginning to 
grow scarce. 

“ I have since come to the conclusion that during 
the night of the 25th some arrangement must have 
been made between our native troops and the sheiks 
who led the hordes of the Prophet. Certainly, the 
events of the day justified such a conclusion. 

“ Gordon, as usual, assembled his leaders and 
harangued them. Up to now, he had never once 
failed to impart some of his own enthusiasm to 


38 


MYNHEER JOE. 


those in charge of his men, so that they went to 
their several stations inspired to fight like heroes in 
the cause of this magnetic man. 

“ With wonder and uneasiness I saw that his 
words on this morning appeared to fall upon deaf 
ears. The dark faces grew moody. As it happened, 
I was the only white man close by, though I could 
hear some of his officers giving orders near the 
governor’s house. 

“ One man threw the spark that exploded the 
magazine. He dared answer Gordon back and tell 
him it would be best to give up Khartoom while 
El Mahdi was willing to let them depart in peace, 
since the doom of the city was a settled thing, any- 
how. 

“ The general’s face flamed up as he heard this 
cowardly plea. 1 can see him now, as in scathing 
terms he rebuked the officer. The man hung his 
head. I expected to see him fall on his knees and 
beg for pardon. 

“ My attention was drawn from him for just a few 
seconds, while 1 swept my eyes around to see how 
the others were taking it. I found that they, too, 
scrowled and looked ugly. 

“ Then 1 heard a shot just beside me. With a hor- 
ror I can’t explain, I whirled around, to see the black 
devil of a traitor aiming a revolver, from the muzzle 
of which smoke still curled. General Gordon had 
his hand pressed to his heart, and I could see the 
blood trickling over his fingers. That sight will 
haunt me all my life ! 1 who have seen many strange 

and terrible things in my time can never forget 
what happened on that awful 26th day of January. 


THE TKAGEDY OF THE NILE. 


39 


“ I knew the brave Gordon had received his death- 
wound at the hands of one who had even fought at 
his side, and the consciousness that the evil hour had 
come seemed to turn my very blood into molten 
lava. 

‘‘Fearful sounds arose all over Khartoom, for the 
signal had been given that was to indicate Gordon’s 
downfall. The enemy assaulted the walls, a portion 
of the late defenders joined them, and Khartoom 
became the scene of a massacre too terrible for 
words. 

“ 1 assure you, my friends, 1 did not stand idle 
while all this was going on. No sooner did 1 see the 
falling hero at my side, when, quick as the lightning 
leaves the clouds, my sword leaped from its scab 
bard. Giving a true Yankee yell, I sprang at the 
assassin. The descending blade cleft his miserable 
skull to the chin, and through all time 1 shall never 
cease to rejoice that it was the arm of an American 
avenged Gordon’s death. 

“ What happened vafter that is more like a dream 
than a reality to me, but I shall give it for what it is 
worth. I remember plunging into the thick of the 
fight. All around me arose the most fearlul sounds 
of a desperate battle, while through Khartoom rang 
the shrieks of poor women and the shouts of exult- 
ing demons ; for the black horde had swarmed over 
the walls, and, in their great fury, seemed to spare 
none. 

“ More than one went down before my sword and 
revolvers ; for, expecting only death, I fought as a 
madman might. 

“ In the midst of the meUe, covered with grime 


40 


MYNHEER JOE. 


and blood, I could hardly be distinguished from one 
of the traitor-soldiers who had at last turned upon 
their general. Suddenly my body was clasped by a 
pair of arms from behindhand 1 found myself hurled 
to the ground. 

“ Naturally I expected instant death, when, to 
my surprise, a voice called in my ear : 

“ ‘ Feign death ! 1 would save the sahib !’ 

“ It was my faithful servant Kassee, whom I had 
brought from Bombay. 1 hardly know why I 
obeyed him ; it must have been because 1 had so 
little power to resist, for life did not seem worth 
any trouble just then. 

“ He dragged me into a house that overlooked 
the river and there secreted me. All through the 
day I heard the shouts of the victorious hordes as 
they thronged through Khartoom. Something had 
come into my mind, and I found that 1 had an object 
to live for, a mission to perform. The news of 
Gordon’s death must be carried to his people, and I 
had come to the conclusion that of all the faithful 
within the walls of Khartoom, Joe Miner was the 
only living soul that remained. 

Night came, and faithful Kassee made his appear- 
ance. He had disguised himself as one of the ene- 
my, and thus escaped the common fate that befell 
the defenders of the city. 

“ From him I learned that a clever scheme had been 
arranged whereby we could make our escape down 
the river. The water was very low, but Gordon 
had several small, light-draught steamers for use 
upon the upper-waters of the Nile. One of these 


THE TRAGEDY OF THE NILE. 


41 


lay not more than a stone’s throw down the river, 
tied to the bank. 

“ Kassee’s bright plan was for us to drop into the 
river from the back of the house, wade down to the 
boat, climb aboard and, aided by the darkness, cast 
her adrift. When some distance down the river, we 
could light a fire, start up steam and, as soon 
as daylight came, make good progress north. 

“ There was something fascinating about the 
adventure, particularly as it promised to be our only 
chance. 

“ Acting under the instructions of my faithful 
Kassee I clambered through the slit of a window in 
the mud wall of the house, lowered myself by means 
of the convenient rope, and finally stood knee-deep 
in the waters of the Nile below, waiting. 

When the ex-sepoy joined me,” continued Myn- 
heer Joe, “ we began to creep along down in the 
direction of the little steamer. It was guarded, 
but Kassee knew where the sentry was posted, 
and he attended to his case while I got ready to 
unfasten the ropes. 

“ 1 heard a single splash, biit not a cry. Then 
Kassee came to me and declared everything was 
working all right. We pushed out into the stream 
and began to leave the doomed city behind. As 
yet discovery had not come. 

“ I will not dwell on this part of my trip. In the 
morning we got up steam and began to make good 
headway. 

“ Until half-way to the Second Cataract we were 
not molested. Then a troop of scouting followers 


42 


MYNHEER JOE. 


of the Mahdi sighted us and riding into the river 
attempted to take the steamer. 

“ We had prepared for this. There was a small 
cannon on board, which we kept in readiness for 
just such an emergency as this; and when we sent 
its contents into the midst of the black rascals they 
scattered to the winds. 

“ Below, we had another fight, and this time they 
very nearly took the vessel ; but our fire was a trifle 
too warm, and they finally allowed us to go on. 

“ As we drew near the cataract, we knew we 
would have to abandon the little steamer; but we 
had determined to continue the voyage in her light 
yawl, which could be carried around the cataract 
by two stout men. 

“ This was finally done and we kept on down the 
river. Fortune had been kind until now. We ran 
upon some hippopotami, and in a rage one of the 
monsters crushed our boat. It was in the night. 1 
believe my poor Kassee must have fallen a victim to 
the savage beasts, for I saw him no more. 

“ My own escape was very miraculous. 1 landed 
a mile down the stream. At break of day I pushed 
on. Fate threw me in with a native, who carried 
me as far as the First Cataract in his boat. Here I 
met an English hunter, a bold fellow who, with 
some guides, had been up the river shooting river- 
horses, as he called the hippopotami. 

“ He was horrified at my news, and gladly gave 
me a place in his comfortable boat, after which we 
set out for Cairo, hundreds of miles away. 

“ All went well until we were about two days’ run 
above the city, when a sudden squall took us 


THE TRAGEDY OF THE NILE. 


43 


unawares; tlie boat capsized, and I found myself 
wrecked again in the darkness. 

“ 1 spent weary hours clinging to the hatch which 
had somehow come under my hands. Several 
times boats came near me in the morning, but no 
one would take me off. They pretended not to 
hear me; in fact, I might as well have been a thous- 
and miles away, for all the}^ noticed me. You see, 
they have a dread of being held as witnesses, and, if 
part of a boat’s crew is lost, there must be a legal 
inquiry, which will compel them to be in tow'll and 
lose time from their work. 

“ As the day was passing, I felt that I must leave 
my raft and try to gain the distant shore, where the 
railroad ran, unless soon rescued. Just tlien, this 
boat came down the river, running close by. I 
called to the captain, telling him I was from Khar- 
toom, with news of Gordon ; he at once put about 
and came to my rescue. The rest you already 
know, friends.” 

Thus Mynheer Joe finishes his story. It has not 
taken a great while to tell the facts, but volumes 
could be filled with the details. He endeavors to 
control himself when speaking of Gordon’s death, 
but it is evident that event has made a powerful 
impression on the sturdy explorer, who so often has 
fought side by side with the Christian hero. 

Sandy has ceased making his hieroglyphics upon 
the pages of his note-book. His face beams with 
enthusiasm at the thought of being first with this 
authentic account of Gordon’s death. At the same 
time, out of respect for the feelings of Mynheer Joe, 
he endeavors to subdue this mark of journalistic 


u 


MYNHEER JOE. 


pride and appear sober, but it is really beyond 
him. 

As for Mr. Grimes, he has observed the narrator 
with deep interest all the while he tells of the 
strange things which happened to him. Whatever 
is passing in the mind of the silver king, he does 
not allow it to be shown upon his face, which is as 
expressionless as that of the Sphinx. 

The messenger from Khartoom sits there for a 
brief interval, with that look of sadness on his face, 
as though the thoughts surging through his mind 
have been too much for him. 

“ Come, rouse yourself, my boy ! You are among 
friends at last, thank Heaven, and will be the lion 
of Cairo when it is publicly known that you were 
with gallant Gordon when he fell,” says Sandy, but 
the other holds up his hand, and says quietly : 

“ That is a distinction I do not crave. Somehow 
1 feel guilty in not leaving my body beside Gordon. 
At best, I see nothing to boast of in having escaped 
his late.” 

“The brave are ever modest,” says Sandy. “ At 
least, you will make a report to the proper officials 
to-morrow and verify my dispatches?” 

“Yes, a very brief one. That is only just. I 
would, for certain reasons of my own which you 
cannot understand, keep it as quiet as possible.” 

“Just so!” remarks the silver king, in such a 
peculiar way that Mynheer Joe glances at him, and 
then finds his attention caught by a photograph on 
the wall, which he sees for the first time. 

“ That face again ! Whose picture have we here ?” 
he demands, with an alarming interest. 



CHAPTER IV. 

“-I KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE.” 

Sandy turns Ins head and sees what has attracted 
the explorer’s attention. He smiles, too, for the 
words of Mynheer Joe would indicate that this is 
not the first time his eyes have rested on the picture 
oi* its original. 

“ That is the daughter of the gentleman who hires 
the dahabeah upon which we are just now,” returns 
the war correspondent. 

“ Name ?” asks Joe. 

“ Demosthenes Tanner.” 

“ Can it be possible !” 

“ That is her father, of course. The girl — ” 

“ Stupid ! It was her name I asked for.’’ 

“ Ah, I see. She is called Molly,” replies Sandy, 
with a wink in the direction of Mr. Grimes, who 
is, however, too deeply interested in watching 
Mynheer Joe’s face to notice aught else. He 
seems to be not a little fascinated by something in 
connection with the other. 

“ Molly ? A pretty name. Somehow it just 
seems to fit those features. Molly Tanner is it? 

[45] 




46 


3MYNHEER JOE. 


Good ! I will remember. What a strange freak of 
fate that 1 should be picked up by her father’s boat, 
ol all on the river !" 

Mynheer Joe is muttering to himself, as though 
indulging in some reminiscence of the past ; a slight 
smile has appeared upon his rather worn and hag- 
gard though always striking face. Evidently the 
thoughts that slip into his mind are pleasant ones. 

It is not in the nature of Sandy Barlow to let a 
comrade enjoy a secret alone. Not that he has any 
desire to be meddlesome, but he wishes to share the 
joys as well as the sorrows of those in whose com 
pany he travels life’s highway. Hence he nods his 
wise little head sagely, and, cocking it on one side 
in a manner peculiar to himself, remarks: 

“ I say, Joe, this isn’t the first time that face has 
flashed before your enchanted vision ? Own up, 
now, like a man. We’re all in love with the divine 
Molly ; every single man in Cairo at this hour yearns 
for her smiles, and you ’ll be only one of scores. 
Speak up, man : Where did you ever meet her? I 
’ve never heard her mention your name, to my 
knowledge, and, b}^ Jove, she thought you were a 
Dutchman, when she sent me down here ! Leave it 
to Grimes if it ain’t so.” 

Mynheer Joe smiles. 

For once, friend Sandy, you have hit the bull’s- 
eye. I have met this lady before.” 

And still she does not recognize your name — 
that by which the whole world of scientific geo- 
graphers has learned to call you ? When she spoke 
of Mynheer Joe, she showed no emotion ; and, as I 
said before, told us to do all for the poor unfortu- 


I KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE 


47 


nate German we could. She even wanted to come 
herself to hear of Gordon. He ’s her hero, you 
know, as he is of many thousands. Yes, and we had 
even to promise to bring you back with us. So, 
what do you say to that?” 

“ 1 suppose I shall have to go. A woman’s will is 
law, generally, especially one whose face is as 
charming as that photo betrays.” 

“ But, your former meeting?” hammers the man 
of pencil and note-book, who does not deviate from 
a course he may have marked out, and, as a conse- 
quence, generally gets there with both feet. 

” Ah, you will have it, Sandy,” laugbs the other. 

“ Why not ? There is something eccentric about 
it. I’ll be bound. You didn’t meet Molly in the 
ordinary orthodox way, or you’d know her name, 
while she could never forget yours.” 

“Well, you see, it’s a poor place to ask for a 
name when salt water is running into mouth and 
eyes,” returns M 3 mheer Joe. 

The correspondent appears to have received a 
tremendous shock, for suddenly springing to his 
feet, he clutches the explorer by the arm to whirl 
him around so that he may look in his face. 

“Confusion! Were you the hero of that little 
episode at Malta a year ago?” he demands. 

“ I don’t know about being a hero, but 1 did have 
the extreme pleasure of jumping from my sail-boat 
and saving, from a watery grave, a young girl who 
had fallen overboard from a boat that nearly upset 
in a squall,” returns the man from Khartqom, 
mod estiva 

Mr. Grimes puckers up his lips as if to whistle, 


48 


MYNHEER JOE. 


and his whole manner says: “So, that s the way 
the wind blows, is it — in truth, coming events cast 
a shadow before.” 

As for Sandy he shrugs his shoulders and pretends 
to look dreadfully disappointed, though there is a 
twinkle in his eye that tells of a sly humor. You 
cannot always take Sandy as he appears. He has 
often turned out to be a sly rogue. 

“ And then you sailed away without even leaving 
your name, nor has the young lady ever been able 
to learn who it was so gallantly jumped overboard 
after her. One thing is settled — you’ve got a clear 
road there, Joe. Not another man will have a 
chance when once Molly recognizes you as her pre- 
server.” 

Instead of looking flattered the party addressed 
has something of a bored appearance. A man who 
has devoted his life to science and exploration has 
no business to fall in love. His heart is supposed 
to be wrapped up in his work. 

“ Don’t mention it, Sandy, I beg. I was bound 
upon a very curious errand at the time and didn’t 
mean to be rude, but time was money. 1 could 
spend five minutes saving a girl’s life but deliver 
me from an hour of thanks from her relatives. 
When I got back to Malta they had gone.” 

“ But you will come with us now — that is, if you 
feel able ?” asks Sand}^ who, having nobl}^ given up 
all his chances of winning the prize — they were 
about equal to one grain of sand in comparison with 
the sea-shore — desires to bring the conquering hero 
to his fate. 

“ 1 feel like a new man. That meal was the first 


“l KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE !” 


49 


decent one I’ve enjoyed for months. While the 
men lived on coarse food, Gordon would not allow 
the officers to feast. One thing, however, may pre- 
vent me from going with you.” 

“ What’s that?” ask both the others. 

“ My clothes are in a dilapidated condition. See, 
here a yataghan cut a piece out entirely ; it would 
have taken my leg, also, if better aimed. Then 
there are other slits and jagged openings. I don’t 
remember where they came from, so 1 must have 
received them during the engagement. A few tri- 
fling wounds under them have healed up, and I am 
feeling very well, thank you. In da 3 ^-time, I can 
draw money from the bank here in Cairo and buy 
what I need. Meantime, you will have to excuse 
me to the young lady.” 

“ Hang me if I will ! We ’ll find some other 
means of reaching the same result,” cries Sandy, 
who is a great hand for surmounting obstacles. 

Mr. Grimes here puts in his oar in the quiet way 
he has. Stepping up, he places himself alongside 
the intrepid explorer. 

“ Just about one size, I believe,” he remarks. 

“ Yes, it is so,” says Sandy, with a chuckle, for he 
has always had the reputation of being able to see 
through a grindstone with a hole in the center. 

‘'Then consider the matter settled. The gentle- 
man will accompany us to Shepherd’s ; he will go 
with me to my room and select from several travel- 
ling-suits I keep on hand.” 

“ But this is too much — ” 

“ 1 never accept a refusal, Mynheer Joe ; so look 


50 


MYNHEER JOE. 


upon it as arranged,” with a wave of the hand that 
a prince might envy. 

The explorer looks at him curiously for a few 
seconds, and then gives in. 

“ I thank you, sir. I will accept the loan until 
morning comes and the bazaars open.” 

“ Good,” ejaculated the newspaper man. “ And 
now let ’s be tramping back to the hotel. Left the 
beggar with the light on deck. Hope he hasn’t been 
tossed into the Nile. Glad to see you meet Molly. 
Hanged if I wouldn’t! Then I’ve got an hours 
work making up and sending my dispatch. 1 fancy 
one man in Cairo will want to cut his throat in the 
morning. ’T isn’t often the Herald gets left.” 

He is all excitement, and there is no need of 
further delay. Mynheer Joe turns to the reis. 

“ Ben Hassan Effendi, I shall remember your 
kindness always,’’ he says, taking the brown hand 
of the old captain. 

“I am already repaid. I hate El Mahdi. You 
were his enemy. It pleases me to help one who did 
him injury. Kismet 1 It is fate,” says the Arab. 

“ On the morrow, if by chance you see my faithful 
Kassee come floating down the river on a raft, send 
him to Shepherd’s Hotel. You will know him from 
his voice. It is like the whistle of a locomotive.” 

“ But you said he was drowned !” cries Sandy. 
“ I have it down so in black and white.” 

“ I trust you may have to alter it, for somehow I 
can’t force myself to believe him as one dead. Now 
I am ready, gentlemen.” 

They pass out of the cabin and reach the deck of 
the dahabeah, where the link-boy is found in con- 


“ I KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE !’^ 


51 


versatioii with tlie crew, the members of which are 
naturally curious to discover all they can about the 
stranger they picked up in the river, who cried out 
that he was from Khartoom before Ben Hassan 
could rescue him. They might as well question 
one of Cairo’s four hundred mosques as this lad. 
He can and does tell them about the gallant fight 
made by the two Franks when assailed by the mob 
of beggars in the street, but knows nothing of their 
relations to the guest of the reis. 

The flambeau-bearer goes ahead, and, one by one, 
the others walk the narrow plank that stretches 
from the roof of the cabin to the bank. When all 
are safely landed, they strike off through the. same 
street where their previous engagement took place. 
Evidently these men are not made of material to 
shrink from any hidden danger. If the rascals who 
lay in wait for them before choose to try conclu- 
sions a second time, doubtless they will find means 
to accommodate them. 

The\^ are not molested while e?i route. Once or 
twice they see shadowy figures glide from dark 
arches ahead and vanish in the gloom, who, in all 
probability, belong to the same gang with which 
they had their former adventure; but the fellows 
have received too severe a lesson to think of endur- 
ing such rough handling a second time. 

Presently, the lights of the grand square flame 
up beyond. Here, at least, darkness does not hold 
sway over the old city of Cairo. The various 
sounds that greet the ear in this quarter are, indeed, 
refreshing after experiencing the dead hush that 
hangs over the main city, although hitherto Sandy 


52 


MYNHEER JOE. 


and the silver king have been rather inclined to 
consider all the clap-trap a bore. Comparisons may 
be odious, but they open the eyes to a true appre- 
ciation of things. 

Generally speaking, it is the traveller who has 
broad views of life and the stay-at-home whose ideas 
are as narrow as the little world his eyes daily rest 
upon. 

Passing through the square, the little party, hav- 
ing dismissed their light-bearer, draw up at Shep- 
herd’s Hotel. Here, as usual, there are scenes 
of gayety ; it is the central attraction of the whole 
plaza. Lights gleam, voices are heard, laughter 
and niAisic float upon the balmy air. Men throng 
certain points, smoking and chatting, while others 
engage in dancing ; for on this night \n February the 
hotel has given a “ hop.” 

Sandy knows and appreciates the desire of his 
friend to be observed as little as possible, and he 
manages it so that they pass into the hotel without 
undergoing a critical survey. Indeed, the condition 
of Mynheer Joe is hardly such as would warrant 
him appearing in the presence of ladies. Naturally 
his figure is good, and he makes a fine appearance, 
but just now his clothing, as he has shown them, 
has been badly cut in the awful affair at Khartoom 
and from his frequent immersions in the river 
shrunk so that it clings to him like a friend and a 
brother. Yes, Mynheer Joe is hardly in a condition 
to meet the fair girl whose face he has carried in 
his memory ever since saving her life at Malta. A 
man dislikes appearing as a scarecrow before one 
whose good opinion he values. No doubt there 


“l KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE !’’ 


53 


have been occasions when lovers have thus been 
forced into the presence of their sweethearts. 

During the War, a Yankee school-teacher in 
Tennessee was tarred and feathered by the sympa- 
thizers of the South, and in this condition appeared 
before the girl he afterward married. Mynheer Joe 
can appreciate his feelings without any desire to 
duplicate his dilemma. 

“ Now, Mr. Grimes, bring him back to this spot 
as soon as you can,'’ says Sandy, seating himself at 
a desk where he may handle pen and paper. 

They leave him there, busily engaged in writing 
out in “ long hand ” the narrative of Khartoom’s 
fall and the death of Gordon, which he took down 
in short-hand as the story fell from the lips of the 
one survivor of that terrible day. 

Mr. Grimes himself leads the way to his room, 
which is one of the best Shepherd’s affords. Here 
the traveller finds a hotel run much more on the 
American plan than most caravansaries in European 
or other foreign countries. Even in Alexandria the 
guest is charged for a candle, for a -piece of soap, 
for the most trivial service in fact. It becomes an 
abominable nuisance. No wonder then that Shep- 
herd’s is always a favorite stopping-place for all 
our citizens “ doing ” the wonderful country of the 
Nile. 

Mr. Grimes fastens his door, and then with true 
hospitality begins to spread the contents of his 
trunk before Mynheer Joe. 

“ Choose anything you please, my friend. I am 
only too happy to be at your service,” says the 


54 


MYNHEER JOE. 


silver king, blandly, and the messenger from Khar- 
toom takes him at his word. 

He makes his ablutions, assumes a modest check- 
suit that fits him remarkably well, combs his hair 
and beard, and in a brief space of time has effected 
a wonderful change in his appearance. Then it can 
be seen that this nomad, who has wandered all over 
the earth with such men as Stanley, Schwatka and 
other adventurous spirits, is about as fine-looking a 
man as one would meet in a month in London or 
New York. 

He is as brown as a berry, from exposure to the 
hot sun and peculiar winds of Egypt ; but that is 
the common fate of all who dwell beneath the sky 
of the tropics. Besides, most women admire a 
bronzed warrior, when compared witli the pink-and- 
white city dandy. Strength and valor are qualities 
that appeal to their fancy. 

When Mynheer Joe announces his toilet as com- 
pleted, Mr. Grimes, who has been glancing over a 
paper he picked up, looks at his guest. The expres- 
sion on his face declares that he is pleased, and that 
there is no danger that the explorer may not be fit 
to meet the finest ladies in the land. 

Mr. Grimes seems to take a peculiar interest in 
this protegi of his. He watches him when one would 
not think he is looking, and there is a gleam in his 
eyes that might mean a good many different things. 

“ If you are ready, we will go down,” he remarks, 
tossing his paper aside. 

The other assents, and together they descend to 
the parlors of the hotel. There Mr. Grimes leaves 


55 


I KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE !” 

him in a small room alone while he goes to hunt up 
Sandy. 

Mynheer Joe stands there, observing some attrac- 
tion seen from the window. The rustle of a dress 
causes him to turn. A lady has glided into the 
room ; her hand is outstretched, and, remembering 
the delicate feather fan he noticed upon the table, 
he noticed her motive in thus entering the bijou 
parlor. 

As he thus turns, she unconsciously looks up at 
him ; their eyes meet, and they are only some four 
feet apart. 

Mynheer Joe starts, and the young girl utters a 
low, sharp cry, while over, her face there flashes a 
look of sudden pleasure. She comes even closer ; 
the hand that was outstretched to pick up the fan 
now rests upon his arm, while her gra}^ eyes hold 
his own spellbound. 

* “ At last,” she breathes, “ we meet. I have not 
forgotten you, sir, if you were ungallant enough to 
run away before I could thank you. Perhaps even 
now you think me rude — you do not remem- 
ber me ?” 

“You are Molly Tanner,” he says, slowly, his 
eyes still upon her face. 

“ Ah ! You even know my name, and all this 
while I have had no chance to thank you for saving 
my life.” 

She brings a shade of reproach into her voice; 
and he says quickly : 

“ If you knew all, you would not blame me. I 
was compelled to hurry away. At the first oppor- 
tunity I returned, but only to learn that the Amer- 


56 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ican traveller and his daughter had left Malta. 
Until to-night I did not know your name.” 

“ If it is a year late, you will shake hands with 
me? You will allow me to thank you for your 
noble deed ?” 

“The first, willingly,” as he takes her little hand 
in his and smiles at the contrast ; “ but I would pre- 
fer that you said nothing about the other. It was 
my duty to jump overboard; a man would be a 
coward not to do it; and, besides, I am more than 
half amphibious, anyhow. The water has no terrors 
for me.” 

“ Have you been here in Cairo long ?” she asks. 

And a puzzled look crosses his face ; for up to 
now he has supposed that Sandy sent her in to 
him. 

“I only arrived to-night,” he smiles. 

“ Ah, 1 wondered how I could have missed seeing 
you. In Cairo Europeans and Americans are not so 
plentiful but that their paths cross before long. 
Are you — English?” with a glance up at his bronzed 
face. 

“ I was born in Philadelphia.” 

“ Indeed !” 

“ My family come of the old Pennsylvania Dutch 
stock, of which I am very proud.” 

“Anyone from America,, as they call the States 
abroad, should be proud of his country. I am 
enthusiastic on the subject, and yet strange as it 
may seem, my heart is set upon travel — I long to see 
all parts of the world. If the poor old governor had 
his way he would he back again in Chicago, manag- 
ing his business, but 1 shall give him^no rest until I 


“ I KNOW HIM AS MYNHEER JOE 


67 


have seen India first of all, then China and Japan; 
and at last Russia, if the dear man can hold out.” 

Mynheer Joe looks pleased to hear her talk, for as 
his own heart is set upon travel and discovery he 
feels as though this must ever be a bond between 
them. At the same time in imagination he can see 
the dear little “ governor ” she speaks of, a mild 
body, living only to humor this one child of his old 
age, Joe has the old gentleman’s picture down in his 
mind to a dot, and he is sure he can pick him out in 
a crowd. 

Before he can say what is on his mind their tete-a- 
tHe is interrupted. Voices are heard just beyond 
the portiere at the door, and the man recognizes 
them. 

“ I left him in here,” says the silver king. 

The curtain moves, is tossed impatiently aside, 
and Sandy Barlow enters. 

“Ah, here he is! Couldn’t find her anywhere. 
Great Caesar ! Look here. Grimes, you see fate i*s 
stronger than you and I together 1” 

The young girl laughs softly. 

“ I have by accident run across the gentleman 
wlio so bravely saved my life at Malta. He has not 
seen fit to give me his name as yet. Perhaps you, 
as his friend, wouldn’t mind informing me,” she 
says, rapidly. 

“I know him as Mynheer Joe,” laughs Sandy, 
“the poor Dutchman rescued by your captain from 
the waters of the Nile.” 



CHAPTER V. 

’“IF YOU MUST FIGHT, TAKE A MAN OF YOUR SIZE !” 

The fair Molly is taken aback by this intelligence 
— her face shows it; but she is not the one to 
remain long iii such a condition of mind, and her 
clear laugh serves to brush away the mist that 
seems to be gathering over the little company. 

“ This is indeed a pleasure — a peculiar coinci- 
dence — you saved me, and one in our employ 
rescues you from the water,” she says. 

“Kismet! It is fate,” groans Sandy, but they 
pretend not to understand him, though his meaning 
is as plain as daylight. 

“You will forgive me for speaking of you as the 
poor German castaway — the peculiar name led me 
astray ?” she goes on, just as if she and Joe were 
alone in the bijou parlor. 

“ It is natural — I am used to it. Behold the effect 
of having a nickname saddled on to one in boyhood. 
It has followed me everywhere. A waggish com- 
158 ] 


“take a man of your size !” 


59 


panion corrupted the name of * Miner ’ into ‘ Myn- 
heer ’ and tacked ‘Joe ’ to it. Long ago I gave up 
in despair the attempt to live the name down. ‘ Myn- 
heer Joe ’ it will be to the end of the chapter.” 

There is an oddity about it that strikes her as 
singularly pleasant. All her gentleman-friends are 
“ Mr.” or “ Colonel ” or the “ Hon.” This or That. 
Mynheer Joe stands out alone. It has an individ- 
uality that marks it above all others. 

“ And you are the messenger from Khartoom ? 
You come with news of General Gordon?” she 
continues. 

“ Yes,” be replies simply^ 

“ When did you last see him ?” 

“ On the 26th day of January.” 

“ As long ago as that ? But I forget what a tre- 
mendous distance Khartoom is away. How glad 
the whole civilized world will be to hear from 
him !” Mynheer Joe bites his lips, but says noth- 
ing yet. “ The people love him so ! I have always 
hoped lo meet him, of all men, if ever I visited 
Egypt ; and just to think he has talked with you, 
eaten with you, even fought at your side !” 

“ And died as close to me as you are standing 
at this moment. Miss Tanner.” 

“ Dead ! Gordon dead ?” she whispers, aghast. 

“ It is even so,” he replies sadly. 

“Can it be possible? Oh, how terrible it is to 
believe that grand man is no more ! What a shock 
it will cause wherever the telegraph can carry it !” 
she murmurs. 

“ That reminds me,” exclaims Sandy, with a hasty 
glance at his watch, “ that I have business before 


60 


MYNHEER JOE. 


me. You will excuse my haste.” And, with a part- 
ing salute, he vanishes. 

Mr. Grimes is the only one who notices his de- 
parture, for the others are too interested in what is 
passing. 

“ And you saw him fall ? You won’t mind telling 
me the sad story?” Miss Tanner pleads. 

“ If you will be seated, I will relate it just as I 
have to Sandy. In the morning all the world will 
know the facts. Surely, there have been rumors 
concerning this thing?” 

“ Yes, but people refused to believe them. They 
came from untrustworthy sources, and were hardly 
in before contradictions came after. We have all 
been waiting for positive truth. It comes at last 
with you. Now tell me, you who were with Gor- 
don, how he fell.” 

Mr. Grimes finds himself a nonentity, and, with a 
smile, betakes himself from the bijou parlor back of 
the portVere. True, he has no cablegram to send just 
yet, but he fancies he may make use of the wires 
later on, in connection with private business. At 
present he can amuse himself watching the bright 
scene in and before Shepherd’s, and speculating 
upon the strange vicissitudes of fortune that one 
day have a man in rags aud the next elevate him to 
a princely income. Mr. Grimes is nothing if not a 
philosopher. 

. The two left in the cozy little parlor do not miss 
the silver king at all, so wrapped up is Mynheer Joe 
in his companion, and so deeply interested does 
Molly become in his narrative. 

He tells it modestly, for this man can never boast 


TAKE A MAN OF YOUR SIZE !’’ 


61 


of his own exploits. At the same time, he is by 
force of circumstances compelled to give facts, and ' 
Molly is at liberty to draw her own conclusions. As 
she already has a high opinion of Mynheer Joe, she 
is apt to make a liberal judge. 

How her eyes kindle as she sits there, spellbound, 
listening to the story of Gordon’s death ! It is a 
tale to thrill the pulses of all who admire a brave, 
generous heart, devoted to the good of his fellow- 
men. Molly hardly seems to breathe as she drinks 
in his words. This man, in her eyes, is also a hero 
ten times over. Even had it not been his arm that 
plucked her out of the cruel Mediterranean at 
Malta, still would she accord him this exalted posi- 
tion. For has he not been with Gordon, and does 
not the reflected light of that great chieftain fall 
upon him ? The man whose sword avenged the 
death of Chinese Gordon can never be aught else 
but a hero in her eyes. 

It takes some time to tell all, for Mynheer Joe 
rather enjoys this tete-a-tHe with the girl who has 
become the belle of European Cairo. Even when 
he rapidly sketches his late trip upon the Nile, and 
brings the story to a conclusion, she has many ques- 
tions to ask that are right to the point, and which, 
upon being answered, bring the situation out in a 
clearer light. 

Then Mr. Grimes — considerate Mr. Grimes — who 
believes he has left them alone long enough, makes 
his appearance. There does not seem to be any 
particlar necessity for his coming, but he evinces 
an interest in the explorer that no person has ever 
seen him show for any one else. Sandy finds them 


62 


MYNHEER JOE. 


still together when he returns after sending his 
wonderful dispatch — -the great dispatch that will be 
the sensation of the day in London and America. 
Flushed with success, he appears before them and 
mechanically glances at his watch — a villainous 
habit he has upon every occasion. 

The action catches Molly’s eye, and with a little 
ieminine scream she snatches out her own minute 
time-piece, studded with diamonds, and looks at the 
tell-tale face, in consternation. 

“ Eleven o’clock ! An hour and a half away from 
the ball-room ! What will Lord Quinsy and the 
baron think? And 1 had engaged a dance each 
with them ! They will never forgive me !” 

“ 1 am sorry to be the cause of your trouble,” 
begins the explorer, humbly. 

“ Please don’t mention it ! I wouldn’t have missed 
this hour and what I have heard of brave Gordon 
for ten lords or fifty barons. It was only the 
governor I was thinking of. They must have 
asked for me, and the dear good man will be fairly 
wild looking for me.” 

Mynheer Joe imagines an insignificant, bald- 
headed, good-natured, little man tearing around the 
hotel pleading with every one to help him find his 
daughter. If he comes across such an individual 
he will recognize him at once. 

“ You will excuse me. Mynheer,” she says, hold- 
ing out her hand again — the hand upon which flash 
diamonds that, with those in her ears, at her throat 
and in her bonny brown hair, are surely worth a 
king’s ransom. 

He murmurs that he will be glad to meet her 


“ TAKE A MAN OF YOUR SIZE !’’ 63 

again, perhaps in the morning, if circumstances are 
favorable, with a side-glance toward Mr. Grimes, 
that has no apparent meaning, and yet which causes 
a grim smile to appear upon the face of the silver 
king. 

Then she glides from the bijou parlor. Sandy 
holding the porti^e aside, though he has to stand 
on his tiptoes in order to make it clear her head. 

The three gentlemen are left alone. Sandy 
takes out a cigar and looks at the others. The mute 
invitation is immediately accepted, for a couple of 
hands are extended, and the weeds exchange owners. 

“ Let’s go outside. The house is no place for 
smoking, in my opinion,” remarks Joe. 

So the trio adjourn to the piazza. More than 
one curious glance is cast toward them ; for, in spite 
of the secrecy that has been exercised, rumors have 
gotten around concerning the truth. It is strange 
how these things leak out — a word is sometimes 
enough to start the ball rolling, and people, once 
interested, add a little here and a trifle there until a 
story has been manufactured out of whole cloth. 

Hardly have they reached the piazza and Joe 
stops to light his weed, when a dapper little fellow, 
Sandy’s counterpart in nervous ways, steps up and 
taps him on the arm. 

“ Beg pardon — do I understand you have arrived 
from up the river, sir — from Khartoom ?” asks this 
sprightly chap, apparently not noticing Sandy in 
the background. 

Mynheer Joe puffs away, and between each puff 
he nods his head up and down in an affirmative way 
that sets the little man fairly wild with suspense. 


64 


MYNHEER JOE. 


He will speak soon— when he gets ready — but not 
until that time comes. It is plainly evident Myn- 
heerjoe knows how to manage the creature known 
as a press agent. 

Sandy is chuckling near by, dreadfully tickled at 
the thought of having for once obtained an advan- 
tage over his rival. 

“ You are quite right, sir. I have arrived this 
very night from Khartoom,” finally admits the ob- 
ject of all this attention, having reduced his weed to 
a point of subjection, where it would burn without 
much care. 

Out come the pencil and note-book. 

“ Would you mind giving me a little information 
regarding the state of affairs at Khartoom when you 
left? 1 represent the New York Herald, the Lon- 
don Times the Figaro. I shall be pleased to 

take your views, sir, and give you every courtesy in 
my power,” rattles on the little correspondent; then 
catching sight of Sandy, his face blazes up, he waves 
his hand as though in warning, and cries : 

“ Too late, Barlow — you’re left ! Fall to the rear! 
1 may let you pick up some crumbs presently, but 
don’t bother now. As you were saying, my dear 
sir, at the time you quitted Khartoom, matters were 
assuming a serious aspect ?” 

“ Very,” replies Mynheer Joe, gravely. 

“ And Gordon — you left him well, hoping for the 
coming of the British line even now on its way 
there. His views and yours would be very accept- 
able reading for the world. A vast audience, in- 
deed, sir. Would 3 ^ou kindly relate your story in 


THE INTERVIEW BETWEEN MYNHEER JOE AND OLD TANNER .— Chapter VIII. 








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‘‘take a man of your size 


65 


detail, or at least that portion of it concerning 
Gordon?” 

His manner is persuasive, his voice honeyed, and 
butter would fail to melt in his mouth. Unfortun- 
ately, he has laid hold of the wrong man. Mynheer 
Joe lays a hand on his shoulder and almost crushes 
him. 

“ For particulars, I must refer you to my press 
agent. Just now 1 am engaged. Your arm, Mr. 
Grimes, if 3^011 please.” 

“ But where can I find him. I beg that 3"ou will 
inform me ? This is a matter that concerns the 
whole civilized world. Think of it, sir! Tell me 
the name of this gentleman,” and the excited corres- 
pondent even lays hold of the explorer’s coat in his 
eagerness to gain his attention. 

“ You will find him yonder. Sandy, will 3^ou 
attend to this gentleman.” 

“ Great Scott ! Barlow knows all ! I see it now ! 
A grand conspirac}" to beat me off! Well, Tve 
picked up all the rumors, and I’ll consolidate them 
into a sensation that will equal the j;ruth. Catch a 
weasel asleep, eh ?” 

He is just a'bout to rush off when Sandy laughs. 

“ Left again, old fel. The wires are entirely at 
my service from now until seven o’clock in the 
morning. You couldn’t get a line out now on your 
individual responsibility if the khedive committed 
hara-kirir 

‘‘Barlow, let me into it a little. Til be entirely 
disgraced if I’m left entirely on this deal. Is Gor-^ 
don dead ?” i 

“ Yes.” 


G6 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ And Khartoom truly fallen ?" 

“ Without a doubt.’’ 

“ What will you take to let me send five lines 
merely announcing the fact ?” 

“ What will you give in promises for the future 
for a few crumbs, my boy ?” 

So the rival correspondents walk down the piazza 
haggling. Sandy has long waited for this hour; 
his cup is full and running over, pressed down with 
good measure. 

Meanwhile, the other couple move along the 
piazza in an opposite direction, enjoying the delic- 
ious atmosphere, their cigars and the bright scene. 

By this time the great crowds have in a measure 
ceased to jostle elbows in the square called Esbe- 
hiyeh, for the hour grows late. Still there are 
enough present to keep up a lively appearance — to 
please the eye of the observer with the change of 
colors as they pass to and fro. 

Something is on the mind of Mr. Grimes, but he 
perhaps thinks the present moment is hardly a pro- 
pitious one in which to speak. Several times he 
opens his mouth, as though the spirit moves him, 
but on each occasion he shakes his” head and 
remains silent. 

As they cross the light thrown from the windows 
more than one curious glance is cast upon them, for 
already has word been whispered around that 
Mynheer Joe has come from the scene of action, 
and there is an air of mystery thrown about him, 
which his personality increases rather than dimin- 
ishes ; for, as has been said before, his face and 


TAKE A MAN OF YOUR SIZE !” 


67 


figure are such as would attract attention even on 
Pall Mall or the Champs-Elysees. 

Looking into the dance-room, they see Molly 
Tanner gliding about in a dreamy waltz with a 
foreign-looking man wearing an immense mustache 
that curls up to his ears — no doubt the baron. She 
nods her head to them and smiles as she glances 
toward her partner in the dance ; there is something 
so spicy and roguish about it that Mynheer Joe 
feels drawn toward the girl more than ever. 

“ She’s a dandy,” the effervescent correspondent 
had said to him, while on the way to the hotel, and 
the more he sees of her the better this peculiar 
comparison applies, though, upon trying to analyze 
it, he is bound to confess the meaning ambiguous 
and a trifle dim. 

From the window they walk down to the end of 
the piazza. Here an acquaintance seizes hold of Mr. 
Grimes and begs a few minutes’ private conversa- 
tion with him, which, of course, he gives, asking 
Joe’s pardon for leaving him. 

The latter steps down to the square to walk a 
little upon the cool flags. 

The events of the night have been more than 
singular, when his fortunes are concerned, and he 
has plenty to reflect upon as he strolls there in front 
of the hotel. 

Around him are scenes also that must make some 
impression on his mind, although they are far from 
new to him. 

While thus strolling aimlessly about, with the in- 
tention of killing a little time, so that he may rejoin 
Mr. Grimes when the latter is disengaged, Mynheer 


68 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Joe chances to pass that portion of the hotel known 
as the bar. 

In common with all other hotels, Shepherd’s has 
a retreat where the thirsty traveller can wash the 
dust out of his throat, and, judging from the man- 
ner in which it is being patronized on this night, the 
dust must be on the move in Egypt. A sand-storm 
could not cause the guests to call more frequently. 

Mynheer Joe arrives upon the scene just in time 
to witness a rather comical spectacle. Of rows in 
the grand square there is always plenty, but as a 
general thing these are not among the guests of the 
hotel, but rather disputes between the travellers and 
their gaily-dressed dragomans or, as is more fre- 
quently the case, with these individuals and the 
owners of donkeys, while the donkey-drivers them- 
selves are about as quarrelsome as our boys upon 
the canals. 

Just now, however. Mynheer Joe is made the wit- 
ness of a singular scene. Two foreigners are at it, 
hammer and tongs. 

How it came about it would be impossible to 
state ; each one believes the other guilty and that 
the apology ought to come from that side. 

A comparison between the two causes the travel- 
ler to smile. In point of size they are surely antip- 
odes, one so large and massive, the other diminu- 
tive. 

The taller man has a voice like a tornado howling 
in the mountains, laying trees prostrate and ‘swirl- 
ing up the valleys. Now and then it is punctured 
with the sharp, file-rasping exclamations that burst 
from his antagonist, penetrating and shrill as the 


69 


“ TAKE A MAN OF YOUR SIZE !” 

highest notes of the violin. They growl and gabble 
together, each endeavoring to lay the blame of the 
collision upon the other. When two men possessed 
of fiery tempers get into a heated argument, the 
result is seldom in doubt. 

Sooner or later they come to blows, and this 
period depends pretty much upon the state up to 
which their feelings have carried them. 

This promises to be the case in the present 
instance. The little man is game despite the enor- 
mous difference in their size. He dances before his 
heavy antagonist, holding up his small fists in a way 
that proclaims him the possessor of some scientific 
knowledge in the line of self-defense. Should the 
giant, however, bring one of his sledge-hammer 
blows to bear upon him, these frail barriers must be 
brushed aside as though mere cobwebs. 

Although the big man is angry, it can be seen 
that he is amused at the same time. Unless the 
fury of the other passes all bonds and he commits 
an assault, the tall man will hardly proceed to 
extreme measures. Just now he is endeavoring to 
alarm his antagonist by an exhibition of lung power 
— by bawling at him with all the tremendous force 
of a cattle drover on the war-path. His bull-like 
voice and the queer exclamations he uses would be 
extremely amusing to Mynheer Joe upon another 
occasion. Just now something of an important 
nature has come into his mind — something that 
causes him to take a new interest in this strange 
game that is being played before him. 

This smaller man answers in all particulars the 
mental photograph he has drawn of Demosthenes 


70 


MYNUEER JOE. 


Tanner, the father of the fair Molly. He is small, 
slightly bald, nearly fifty, full of life and ginger,! 
and ready to stand up for his dignity. 

So Mynheer Joe decides on the spur of the mo- 
ment that he has run across the man who has char- 
tered the dahabeah Alice — he owes him a debt of ' 
gratitude on account of the rescue from the waters 
of the Nile — perhaps the time has come when he can 
repay that with interest. 

Thus he finds more to engage his attention in the 
complication before him than others who have been 
gathered by the hot dispute. 

In justice to Mynheer Joe, let it be said that his 
sense of fairness and the eternal fitness of things had j 
much to do with his actions. He was never the man 
to sit calmly by and see a big dog set upon a small 
one. More than once in his past career he has been 
known to take the part of the weak and oppressed, 
even to his discomfort. There is some spirit left of 
the age of chivalry — it did not die out with the last 
of the helmeted, mail-clad knights. 

Thus it will be seen that other motives influence 
Mynheer Joe besides the one important fact that 
this is, as he supposes, Molly’s father who stands a 
fair show of being pulverized. 

He means to take a hand in the game if it shows 
signs of reaching a point where blows must be 
exchanged. Gordon’s messenger is full of fight — he 
always was ; and the fact that this may be con- 
sidered a street brawl does not once enter into his 
calculations. 

It is the smaller man who rushes things and 
brings matters to a focus. 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


71 


“ You shall apologize or fight, sir ! Do you think 
I am to be insulted with impunity? You are a big 
coward ! 1 will show you how we do these things 

where 1 came from ? Defend yourself !” he shrieks. 

The big man is thus forced to an issue. He gives 
a roar as the other kicks at his shins, and looks as if 
about to hurl his avoirdupois upon his diminutive 
antagonist, when a hand clutches his shoulder, and 
Mynheer Joe steps between them, brushing back 
the little bantam cock and facing the Brahma. 

“If you must fight, take a man of your size. 
Take me, for instance. Now come on,” he says 
quietly. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 

The man addressed is apparently taken by sur- 
prise. He no longer sees before him the diminutive 
form of the peppery little mosquito who has been 
barking his shins, but a man almost his equal in 
point of size — a man who holds his arms in a man- 
ner that suggests the practiced boxer. 

There is no quarrel between these two, but the 
stranger has taken the place of the fellow who 
kicked the big man’s shins, and must be held 
accountable for what has been done. 

Whatever may be the shortcomings of the giant, 
he is certainly no coward. He has been loth to attack 
the little man, and would fain have held him out at 
arm’s length as one might an ugly child ; but here 


72 


MYNHEER JOE. 


is a foeman worthy of his steel. This is another 
case entirely. 

His eyes flash and his whole face lights up with 
the fire of battle. Mynheer Joe discovers from his 
loud talk that he too is an American. He feels 
sorry to encounter a fellow-patriot under such 
peculiar circumstances, but it cannot be helped. 
Circumstances control these things more than any 
power on earth, and Mynheer Joe has made up his 
mind that he will not see Molly’s father beaten if he 
can help it. 

“ I don’t know you, man, but that makes little dif- 
ference. I’m on to you. I’ll mount you just like 
we mount a broncho out West. Offer yourself as a 
substitute for this little venomous spider, do you ! 
Perhaps you belong to the same miserable breed. 
We whipped you twice, and, by hokey, we can do 
it again. I’m glad you come ! Kinder hated to 
touch the little chap for fear I’d hurt him. I’ve 
seen his kind fall to pieces. But you’re flesh and 
blood — you can take some punishment. I’m going 
to show the good people of Cairo how we do it out 
in Chicago. You just say your prayers. Mister 
Man.” 

All the while he thus explodes like the bursting 
of successive bombs, the big man is rolling up his 
coat sleeves. He is no fool, and his eye tells him 
that he has no child’s play before him. The remark- 
ably well-built form of Mynheer Joe betokens an 
athlete, and the quiet manner in which he awaits the 
attack is sufficient warning that he means to do his 
business. 

As is natural, all this fuss and feathers has drawn 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


73 


considerable attention, and quite a good sized ring 
is formed around the duelists. They find themselves 
surrounded by a mixed audience of Jew and Gen- 
tile, Moslem and pagan, black faces, brown faces and 
white. 

The world is pretty much the same, take it as you 
will. When men come to blows there is no question 
about the audience if others are within reaching dis- 
tance. 

Even on the piazza a number of the guests belong- 
ing to the hotel can be seen, having been attracted 
by the rumpus. As Mynheer Joe notes this with 
a glance, somehow he finds himself wondering 
whether she is there, and if Molly will understand 
that he is in this street brawl simply as the defender 
of her pater-familias — the insignificant but belliger- 
ant little aggressor. He hopes she may learn the 
truth. 

No time is given for reflection, since the other 
means business from the word go. Having pre- 
pared himself for the work in hand by rolling up his 
sleeves, the Western cyclone now comes at the 
explorer with great fury. 

His force seems irresistible ; so does that of the 
giant waves that come rolling in with tremendous 
energy ; and yet the result is ever the same when 
they strike against the wall of rock that marks the 
shore. There is a concussion, a splendid picture ; 
the rock is there just the same as before, but the 
wave has been beaten back, baffled, into the trough 
of the sea whence it sprang. 

So in this case, Mynheer Joe represents the stead- 
fast rock of Gibraltar. He meets the furious onset 


74 


MYNHEER JOE. 


of his powerful antagonist coolly, and for a brief I 
period blows rain between. | 

Then the assailant backs out to get a new lease of 
breath. Astonishment is marked upon his face. 
He has believed himself an expert in the use of his ^ 
fists, but in this quiet man he finds one who can give j 
him points. I 

Although baffled in his first endeavor to down i 
this champion of the little terrier that snapped at 
his heels, the other does not give up the fight yet. : 
He is still in it, to the extent of his two hundred i 
pounds’ avoirdupois, and if he can only put one of ! 
his sledge-hammer blows just where it is wanted, he 
will ask for nothing better. 

Already, though the affair has lasted only a i 
minute or so, the sympathies of the crowd are i 
plainly on Joe’s side. His action in assuming the “ 
place of the small man has been seen ; and, besides, 
his way of carrying himself wins the hearts of the i 
onlookers, many of whom can appreciate the i 
beauties of the manly art, even if unable to box I 
scientifically themselves. 

Thus, when the first round ends in the rough 
Western cyclone being hurled back, winded and 
baffled, if not badly used, a murmur of gratification 
arises from the crowd. 

They have already sized the two duelists up, and 
although Mynheer Joe is not near so heavy as his 
antagonist, the victory is in his grasp, according to 
their way of thinking. 

As for Joe himself, he means to injure the other 
just as little as possible. Circumstances and his 
love of fair play have thrown him into the arena, 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


75 


and since he has taken a hand in the ^ame, he must 
carry it out to the end. 

This sort of business is not to his liking ; he has 
never posed as a gladiator or a prize-fighter before 
an audience, but he firmly believes he is doing his 
whole duty. 

While he regains his breath and prepares for a 
second round, the Western tornado gives vent to 
his feeling in his explosive way : 

“ Ginger, I reckon I’ve bit off more ’n I can chaw 
this time. Looks like something of a trap here- 
abouts. But you ’ll find me game to the backbone. 
I come of a game family, and we don’t give up the 
ship. Rather like the cut of your jib, stranger, 
and your style in taking the part of that little bantam 
tells me you ’re a Yankee, every inch of you. Sorry 
to spoil your looks, but you understand what you 
invited when you rip-sawed me.” 

“ Come on ; I’m tired of this,” is the only answer 
he can get from Joe. 

It is a plain invitation, and the other accepts it in 
the spirit it is given. He again advances to the 
attack, his face showing a determination to end the 
battle then and there. 

Once more the air seems to be full of flasliing 
arms as the two engage in a hot series of blows and 
counters, side-shoots and parries. Neither appears to 
be getting the better of it, and yet one experienced in 
the craft of boxing can readily see a difference in their 
work. The assailant is putting in his best work, 
endeavoring to win ; while Mynheer Joe does not 
seem to be exerting himself to the utmost. When 


76 


MYNHEER JOE. 


the time comes for him to do so, something will 
give way in Denmark. 

Joe is waiting for a chance. It is his desire to 
get in a knock-out blow. This, to be quite success- 
ful and end the affair, must be delivered in a certain 
quarter, and it is with this idea in view that he 
dallies. 

Fiercer grow the efforts of the other to get in 
behind his guard. Those who look on see that the 
lighting is almost wholly done by one man, and if 
inexperienced, they believe he has the matter all in 
his own hands. They will learn something pres- 
ently. 

Watching the panting cyclone make a last desper- 
ate rush upon Joe, they see an arm suddenly shoot 
out straight from the shoulder, and hear a resound- 
ing whack as the knuckles come in contact with the 
other’s head. 

That ends it. 

The blow has been adroitly given, and Joe stands 
there alone on the flags. His antagonist has reeled 
back into the arms of a friend. There is no more 
fight left in him ; that is positive. 

Loud exclamations arise ; they mark the approba- 
tion of the audience. The affair has ended just as 
nearly every one has wished — if we except the 
defeated participant himselh Mynheer Joe has no 
desire to remain there the center of attraction. He 
is modest by nature and seeks no notoriety. 

As he turns to move away, he feels his hand 
clasped and squeezed. Turning, he finds the little 
man whose champion he became. The weazened- 
up face of the bantam glows with pleasure. 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


77 

“A thousand thanks, my good fellow! You 
gave him all he deserved — the beast! Just what 
I would have done for him, if you had let me get at 
him ! Oh, you needn’t smile ; size doesn’t cut a 
figure in it. All depends on scientific skill, sir — on 
skill!” 

“ No doubt. Glad to have done you a service. 
See you some time later,” says Joe, conscious that 
the crowd is pressing around them again and feel- 
ing very unpleasant. 

“ But, my dear sir, you must allow me to pub- 
licly thank you for your services. Here is my 
card,” — Joe rams it -in his pocket without even a 
glance at it — “and I beg that you will not be 
offended if I offer you this.” 

Before Mynheer Joe realizes what he is about, the 
other has filled his hand with gold pieces. So in- 
dignant is the explorer at the act that he does not 
even note the fact of their being English sovereigns, 
but, with an explosive ejaculation, hurls the precious 
metal out upon the square. 

This causes a wild stampede of the crowd; ex- 
citement reigns supreme ; donkey-drivers tussle 
with dragomans, fakirs roll over Arab sheiks — all 
filled with the mad greed of gold. Never before in 
the history of Cairo has the precious metal been 
sown broadcast like this. 

The little man, whose idea seems to be that money 
can pay for any service, looks surprised at first, but 
shows no signs of anger. He is something of a 
philosopher on a small scale and accustomed to 
meeting strange people. 

“Very well,” he chatters, with a wave of the 


T8 


MYNHEER JOE. 


arm ; “ we will consider the obligation settled by 
my thanks, then. If I can do you a favor at any 
time, call upon me, my good fellow.’' 

With this, he marches off. His arrogance is really 
amusing. Mynheer Joe would be tempted to use 
the toe of his boot to accelerate the fellow’s depart- 
ure, only that he remembers one important factor — 
this little man is the “ dear old governor ” of the 
charming Molly, and any indignity offered to him 
will be sure to recoil on his own head. So he 
allows the dwarfed pugnacious specimen to depart 
in one direction, while he starts to leave the scene 
in another. 

Neither of them gets five feet away ere some 
acquaintance brings them up. Wkh Joe it is Mr. 
Grimes. The silver king has not known of the duel 
on the flagging until it is over. Then some one tells 
him that the gentleman who so lately accompanied 
him in his walk is engaged in a fight near by. 

As he meets Joe face to face, his eye glances up 
and down the other’s figure. There is not a sign of 
his having been in a fracas. 

“ All a mistake,” he mutters aloud. 

‘‘ What is?” asks Joe, smiling. 

“ They told me you were engaged in a street 
brawl. I came hurrying up, supposing you had 
been marked already by secret sympathizers of the 
False Prophet, known to be in Cairo, only to find 
that they have deceived me.” 

“ Not at all, my dear fellow.” 

“ Do you mean to say you have been in it ?” 

“ 1 must plead guilty.” 

“ They pitched on to you ?” 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


79 


On the contrary, I think I did the aggressive. 
Never could see a big dog set on a small one.” 

“ Oh, that’s the way the game runs, is it? Well, 
did you chaw the big dog up ?” 

“ I think! knocked him out. He ’s in that cluster 
over yonder. It ’s a lesson to him I hope, though I 
must admit the little chap was deuced saucy, and 
the other didn’t give way until forced almost 
beyond human endurance.” 

“ For my part, 1 ’d have let ’em alone. Because 
a man is small, it ’s no reason he should impose on 
those who are larger. The chaps need a lesson to 
teach ’em something,” says the silver king, with a 
shake’of the head. 

Mynheer Joe laughs softly. 

“ Let me complete my confession, my friend,” he 
says, with charming frankness. 

“ Willingly.” 

“ There was another reason why I threw myself 
into the breach and took up arms against the more 
powerful side.” 

Mr. Grimes elevates his eyebrows and looks at his 
companion in a peculiar way. 

“ Well ?” he says. 

“ It was on account of beauty that I took part in 
this disgraceful affair.” 

“ What ! Was the old villain beating his wife ?” 

“Nonsense! The thought of Molly Tanner 
spurred me on to interfere.” 

“ Come, no joking ! What has she to do with the 
quarrels of street brawlers ?” 

“ You are very obtuse, Mr. Grimes. It was her 
father who was in the affair.” 


80 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Oh, a light breaks upon me. ' 

“ Glad of it, sir. You see, I couldn’t stand by 
and see a little man like Demosthenes Tanner being 
imposed upon. I brushed him aside and told his 
adversary to fight some one nearer his size. He 
did so, and — well, the result is yonder.” 

“ A little man, eh ?” 

“Well, he ’s small when compared with — say you 
or myself, for instance.” 

“ Tanner — oh, yes, of course,” with a grin. 

“ And, really, the other chap towered above him 
like a giant. I never felt better than when I faced 
him and gave him his quietus.” 

“ Is he down there yet ?” 

“ I think he ’s getting over it now. See, the 
crowd parts. That ’s he sitting there, with his hand 
up to his head. I reckon he ’s dazed.” 

Mr. Grimes looks. 

Then he utters a low whistle. 

“You ’ve done it, my dear fellow!” he says, 
aghast. 

“ Oh, he ’ll be over it presently ; may have a head- 
ache to-morrow. But these knock-out blows, if 
properly given, don’t kill,” says Joe, coolly. 

“ It ain’t that,” continues Mr. Grimes. 

“What, then?” 

“Well, you see — Deuce take it! Here she 
comes ! Now there will be the mischief to pay!” 

Mynheer Joe hears his words, and, turning his 
head, glances around. There is no difficulty in dis- 
covering just what is meant. From the direction of 
the piazza a figure in white advances hastily. The 


THE FOOTBALL OF FORTUNE. 


81 


lights of the plaza flash from the diamonds in her 
ears and at her neck. 

It is Molly ! 

Straight she comes to where they are standing, 
as if in that motley crowd her eyes have fallen 
upon these two figures first of all, and in them she 
recognizes friends. 

Mynheer Joe feels a thrill of honest pride as it 
flashes upon him that this beauty will soon be thank- 
ing him from her heart for standing up in her dear 
old governor’s place and meeting the attack of an 
enraged giant. 

It is a pleasant sensation that creeps about his 
heart, for he feels that he has done a good action. 
In these days when a man dashes into a burning 
house and saves a child at the risk of his own life, 
he knows he has done a heroic act, though his 
modesty may prevent him from boasting about it. 

Molly Tanner reaches them. It is Mynheer Joe 
she sees, and to him appeals. Her looks are startled. 
He will never forget how lovely she appears when 
she clasps his arm and, in a breathless manner, 
gasps ; 

“ Oh, Mynheer Joe, is it true? Has my dear old 
governor been hurt ? He is always so impetuous — 
so ready to take offense. Tell me the truth. I can 
stand the worst. Indeed, I can !” 

Her voice is pleading. One would imagine tliat 
he is endeavoring to hold back something from her 
that she should know. 

“ Miss Tanner, calm yourself, I beg,” he says, 
wondering how he can explain matters without 
bringing his own share of it into notice. 


82 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ I am calm. Now tell me ally' she replies, 
assuming, with an effort, a repose she is certainly 
far from feeling. 

“There has been a little affair here over a dispute. 
1 believe your father was engaged in it. Blows were 
exchanged — ” 

“ And my dear old governor — " she cries, tighten- 
ing her clasp upon his arm. 

“ Was uninjured. See, there he is yonder at this 
very moment,” says the delighted Joe, pleased 
because she does not look upon little Demosthenes 
Tanner, pounded and bleeding. 

He catches a cry close to his ears. Molly is no 
longer standing there. Quick as a flash of light, 
she flits across the open space. Mynheer Joe hears 
a hoarse chuckle beside him, and knows it pro- 
ceeds from Mr. Grimes. His eyes follow the figure 
of the belle of Cairo. To his amazement, she passes 
the pugnacious little bantam without a look. What 
does this mean ? She is on her knees beside the 
recovering Western cyclone ! Mynheer Joe groans. 
He calls himself a fool, a dolt, as the truth flashes 
upon him and he realizes that it is Molly Tanner’s 
dear old governor whom he has so scientifically 
knocked out ! 


CHAPTER VII. 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 

Mynheer Joe, for once in his life, feels a cold -per- 
spiration come out upon his forehead, which he 
nervously wipes away. He wonders is this fear. 
The man who has braved all manner of dangers in 
the past, faced death in its most horrible forms, in 
the poisonous swamps of interior Africa, through 
the jungles of India, where cobras, tigers and venge- 
ful natives lie in w’ait ; meeting the crazed Moham- 
medan dervishes of the False Prophet face to face in 
many an assault at Khartoom — this man actually 
trembling with fear because he dreads the scorn of 
a woman ! 

He laughs at himself for the fancy, but it is a ner- 
vous laugh, not at all natural ; and, turning, finds 
Mr. Grimes surveying him in a comical sort of 
wa}^ 

“ Tell me, did you really think that little nincom- 
poop was Demosthenes Tanner?’' asks the silver 
king, in a half-choked voice, for to him’ the whole 
situation is inexpressibly funny. 


[83] 


84 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ I certainly did,” answers Joe, wondering if it 
will remedy matters any if he should pass over and 
shake the little terrier until his teeth rattle in his 
head ; he has conceived a sudden hatred for him. 

“ A terrible mistake, my dear fellow,” grins the 
other, nodding his head seriously. 

“Well, rather, under the circumstances. Tell 
me who that man is ?” 

Not that he is particularly anxious to know, but 
the question is a natural one and will help to carry 
him out of a predicament. 

“The little man? That’s the baron, one of Miss 
Molly’s most devpted admirers.” 

“ Confusion ! How came it that he quarreled 
with her father, then?” 

“ I don’t know. He must have met Tanner 
before, but it may not have entered his head that he 
is her father. Anyhow, the baron is used to serfs, 
and imagines he can run things with a high hand 
wherever he goes.” 

“ A Russian ?” 

“ Heaven knows what he isn’t — Russian, German 
and Austrian — he has served under all their flags. 
At present, I have learned, he is under Alexander, 
and bound for India by stages. Russia has dark 
designs on the rich possessions of England on the 
Indian Ocean, and some day the hosts of the White 
Czar hope to rush over the mountains and overrun 
the whole of the empire along the Ganges. We 
may not live to see it, but it will come, as sure as the 
world moves.” 

Mr. Grimes talks in this way with an object in 
view — he is interested in the subject, and at the 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


85 


same time hopes to divert the mind of his friend 
from the awful contretemps into which he has stum- 
bled. 

In this latter, he meets with a fair measure of suc- 
cess. As a traveller and explorer, Joe Miner is inter- 
ested in the movements of armies on the chess-board 
of Europe, though his knowledge of diplomatic 
entanglements is very small compared with that of 
the war correspondent. 

By this time Tanner is on his feet. His late 
antagonist feels as though he would like to slink out 
of sight, not that he is in the least ashamed of the 
part he took in the recent engagement, but because 
he dreads the moment when Molly’s eyes must fall 
upon him after her father has pointed out the man 
to whom he owes his downfall. 

He does nothing of the sort, however, but man- 
fully holds his own. They pass on to the hotel 
without noticing him, whereupon Joe heaves a sigh 
of relief. 

Then he takes himself mentally to task. Why 
should he care whether this young girl detests him 
or not ? She is nothing to him — can be nothing to 
him. Her coming across his path has been a mere 
accident — a gentle ripple on the broad sea of his 
plans and existence. Then his mind goes back — he 
sees himself struggling in the waters of the blue 
Mediterranean, while the boat beats back to his aid 
— his arms clasping the fair young girl who clings 
to him so confidingly. How often has this picture 
presented itself before his mind during days and 
nights of peril, when death howled at the walls of 


86 


MYNHEER JOE. 


devoted Khartoom, and brave Gordon fouglit back 
the hordes of dervishes again and again. 

It is useless for Mynheer Joe to declare that this 
young girl has no influence upon his life. He 
knows even while thus endeavoring to deceive him- 
self that there is something back of it all — a hidden 
power that manipulates the wires — a fate that con- 
trols their destinies. 

Accompanied by Mr. Grimes, he again reaches 
the piazza, and seeking a quiet, retired nook, they 
start in to enjoy their cigars. Mynheer Joe seeks 
to throw this last disturbing element to one side, 
and being possessed of remarkable will power, 
he manages to do so, concentrating his mind upon 
other matters. 

They chat about several things in general, and 
seem to be very comfortable. The explorer, when 
his cigar is half smoked, takes a glance around, and 
notes that they are quite alone, for the piazza at this 
point is deserted, the guests having wandered in the 
direction of the supper-room, for the hotel does 
nothing by halves. 

It is no longer utterly dark. The remnant of a 
February moon has crept up over the horizon, and 
lends a penciling of silver to the Egyptian landscape. 
It is very romantic, for the moonlight gleams from 
many a dome-like mosque and towering minaret. 

Mynheer Joe, after noting the fact that they are 
quite alone, turns to his companion and makes a 
remark that has a peculiar ring : 

“ This is as good a time and place for explanations, 
Mr. Grimes, as we can find.” 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


87 


The silver king looks at his companion and 
breathes out rings of smoke. 

“‘Explanations?’ My dear fellow, to what do 
you refer?” he asks ; but the expression on his face 
proclaims that he, at least, suspects. 

“ There is no need of concealment between us, 
Mr. Grimes. You may deceive these good people 
at the hotel, but I have heard of you, sir.” 

“ Oh !” mutters the individual addressed. 

“ Yes,” Mynheer Joe goes on, quickly, as though 
his mind is made up ; “ you pass as a silver king at 
Cairo. Across the water, Mr. Grimes, you are 
known as one of the shrewdest detectives in the 
country.” 

He pauses again as if to let this shot go home. 
Both puff away at their cigars, as though the action 
may clear their brains. It is the explorer who 
breaks the silence. 

“You don’t deny the soft impeachment, Mr. 
Grimes?” he sa 3 ^s, with a query in his voice. 

“ I have no reason to, with you, sir, although I 
should not like this subject to become common 
property,” replies the stout man, in a singularly 
cool tone. 

“ Perhaps I can even guess the object of your 
visit to Egypt in this year of eighty-five.” 

“ Make a try at it now.” 

“You are searching for a certain individual, by 
name Joseph Miner.” 

“ Bull’s eye, first shot,” laughs Grimes. “Come, 
now, how in the deuce did you know all this?” 

“ 1 have been looking for a visitor from across the 
water. Something told me I should find him in 


88 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Cairo. Your especial interest in me caused me to 
be doubly vvatclilul. I remember your name through 
some peculiar incident that happened when last I 
saw New York, and as a result I unmasked the sil- 
ver king.’* 

While he thus speaks, Mynheer Joe shows no 
signs of uneasiness. He has not the manner of a 
man who has anything to fear when he finds an 
officer of the law following him. One who has em- 
bezzled a great sum of money might show signs of 
alarm, but this man evidently has no such burden 
upon his mind. It is with a far different object in 
view Mr. Grimes has sought him ; that is evident. 
The pseudo silver king watches him from the corners 
of his eyes. . Now that his journey to the burning 
land of Egypt has reached its fruition, he begins to 
entertain doubts as to its ultimate success. Mjui- 
heer Joe is undoubtedly a man with a determined 
character, not easily influenced. Can he offer any 
inducements whereby the traveller may change his 
plans and revoke a vow made in the past? What- 
ever secret he carries with him, Mr. Grimes hopes 
it may prove effective. 

“ There is little use, then, in my explaining why I 
am over here,” he says, laconically. 

“ The same old story— to patch up a peace be- 
tween Colonel Carringford, my uncle, and myself. 
I understand. It means much to him that this thing 
is done ; but, although I trust 1 don’t harbor mal- 
ice, I never want to see his face again.” 

“ Nor will you, sir,” says the other, quietly. 

“ Ah I Then the colonel is dead ?” 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


89 


“Just so. He succumbed to his enemy at last.” 

“ Peace be to his ashes ! Pve no doubt he kept 
his word and disinherited me?” with a peculiar in- 
flection of the voice, as though the subject naturally 
has some interest for him 

“ No — and yes !” 

“Come, that’s a singular answer, Mr. Grimes.” 

“ It is on that account 1 am over here. Perhaps 
you remember Jack Austin ?” 

“ One of my best friends in the Quaker City.” 

“It was he who sent me. I have exhausted 
nearly four months in all. There remain eight 
more for you to show up in Philadelphia and prove 
your identity. That done within a year from the 
date of the old man’s death, and 3 ^ou fall. heir to his 
vast estates.” 

“ Well,” with a steady “ puff-puff,” “ suppose I fail 
to show up — what then ?” 

“ Why, man, there’s a cool million at stake in this 
matter — think of it, enough to fit out expeditions to 
the North Pole — to the centre of the earth — money 
to squander in the most elaborate efforts to discover 
what even a Livingstone or a Doctor Kane has 
failed in.” 

How artfully Mr. Grimes puts this, appealing to 
what he knows is the weak spot in the make-up of 
his strange companion. Was ever such a scene as 
this known before, when a man pleads with a fellow 
human' to appear and claim a fortune that awaits his 
coming ? 

Mynheer Joe seems to be weighing the whole 
affair in the invisible scales of his mind. When he 
speaks again it is reflectively. 


90 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Eight months, you say. When did he die ?” 

“ On the loth of October last.” 

“ Eight months — let me see — from Cairo I go 
direct to India — it is impossible to give that journey 
up, for even now I may be too late to accomplish 
what I seek to do. Then, if all goes well there, I 
have made up my mind to see something of China in 
a region foreigners have never', yet been able to 
penetrate, making my way through to Persia and 
the Mediterranean. Eight months are a short time, 
but then if everything goes well there is a chance 
that I may turn up in Philadelphia before or on next 
October loth. It all depends on how fortune handles 
me, you know.” 

It would be impossible to portray the feelings 
that possess Mr. Grimes vvhile he listens to these 
remarkable words. He has seen many types of men 
in his life, and looks upon the whole human race as 
gold-worshipers, yet here is a man who seems to 
have an honest scorn for the dross. It is the most 
astonishing event Mr. Grimes has ever come across 
in all his life. He holds his cigar between finger 
and thumb and surveys Mynheer Joe with amaze- 
ment. 

‘‘ You are the first man I ever met in my range, 
sir, who would snap his fingers at a fortune which 
he could have by putting out his hand and grasping 
it,” he mutters. 

“ Perhaps so, Mr. Grimes. I know my own mind 
best, and as you perhaps are aware, possess enough 
means for all the purposes of my business. A little 
money goes a long way when in the bush, and I 
don’t travel like Stanley with from one to five hun- 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


91 


dred porters and fighting men. By the way, sup- 
posing 1 fail to turn up by the time specified, does 
the property go to charity?” 

Mr. Grimes has been expecting this, and yet he 
twists uneasily in his chair, as though hardly willing 
to answer. 

“ No. It goes to the other side of the house.” 

“Ah ! The Bunners ?” 

“ A descendant of theirs, daughter of the last Miss 
Bunner. She married and was lost sight of for a 
long time, but her family turned up out West some- 
where.” 

“ Do you know the name of this heiress, Mr. 
Grimes ?” 

“ Well, yes, sir, I have heard it,” he replies. 

“ Let me have it, please,” remarks Mynheer Joe, 
taking out his note-book. “ A man is bound to feel 
some interest in the part}^ who will come into a 
million or not, according to his whim. If you have 
seen this party — By the way, is she a spinster or 
married woman ?” 

“ The former, by all means,” with a grin that 
Mynheer Joe takes note of and presumes is caused 
by the fact that the party referred to is an anti- 
quated old maid, with queer little curls, blue glasses 
and a pet cat — oh, he can see her in imagination, just 
as he pictured the Hon. Demosthenes Tanner — and 
as truly. 

“ 1 trust she’ll make good use of the money if 
through my failure to appear it falls to her,” pursues 
Joe, thoughtfully. 

“ No doubt of that, sir, no doubt of that,” says the 
other, with something of a chuckle. “ According 


92 


MYNHEER JOE. 


to my idea of thinking that money is bound to go 
the same way whether you get it or the other.” 

“ That 's an enigma. Mr. Grimes, explain.” 

“ Well, you see, she ’s uncommonly fond of travel 
— has been up Mount Blanc, partly scaled the 
Matterhorn, cruised along the whole coast of 
Algiers, and has any number of trips in contempla- 
tion which will consume money and add to the 
knowledge of geogaphers. Bless you, sir, she ’s got 
a medal already from the Royal Geographical 
Society of Great Britian in connection with certain 
features concerning some daring work she did in 
the Alps.” 

“ Phew ! A regular female discoverer! An adven- 
turer in petticoats. I ’ve met a number of such. 
They ’re all alike. And while admiring their grit in 
daring perils in unknown lands, I am free to confess, 
Mr. Grimes, that I was never struck with their per- 
sonal charms. It is a business that only the most 
determined characters take to — women who partake 
more of the man in their nature. You ’ve seen ’em 
often.” 

Mr. Grimes is shaking all over with some emotion. 
He coughs, as though it is a little tobacco smoke 
that has gotten into his windpipe and choked him. 

“ Of course, my dear fellow. But you do wrong 
to condemn the whole class. I’ve always found 
there were exceptions to every rule.” 

“ Come, don’t think I’m throwing out innuendoes 
against female travellers. I’ve met several wonder- 
ful women who accompanied their husbands into 
danger and threatening death. I’m only stating as 
a fact that all with whom I am acquainted are strong 


KEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


93 


characters, with plain, resolute features. I presume 
the life they lead makes them look so mannish.” 

“ Yet, they, too, may have been lovely once,” 
murmurs the pseudo silver king. 

“The name, Mr. Grimes — the name? Perhaps I 
may have met the lady somewhere.” 

“ And I am sure of it. It is now less than half an 
hour since you knocked her dear old governor out 
in one round.” 

Mynheer Joe drops book and pencil and springs 
to his feet as if made the recipient of a galvanic 
shock from one of the electric eels he is so fond of 
telling about. 

“ Why, man, you don’t mean to tell me that it is 
Molly Tanner?” he bursts out with, whereupon his 
companion begs him to remember that others are not 
far away, and one scene of an evening is quite 
enough. 

By this time Mynheer Joe, the erstwhile cool 
messenger from Khartoom, has picked up his book 
and seats himself close beside Mr. Grimes, upon 
whose arm he fastens a clutch, while with a voice 
full of eagerness he asks : 

“ Tell me the exact truth, my friend. There is no 
reason for concealment between us. You say Molly 
Tanner will come in for that million if I fail to turn 

“ That is the whole of it, my dear Joe.” 

“ Of course she knows the nature of the will ?” 

“ Word for word.” 

“ 1 am puzzled.” 

“ How so ?” 

“ She met me, heard my name, and yet did not 


94 


MYNHEER JOE. 


recognize me as the party who could step between 
her and this fortune.” 

“Bah! You forget something. You assumed 
your uncle’s name, which, it seems, for reasons best 
known to yourself, you have thrown off again.” 

“ True, sir.” 

“ The document speaks of Joseph M. Carring- 
ford as the coming man. How was she to know 
Mynheer Joe as that party ?” 

“ Ah ! You are right, Mr. Grimes, you are 
right 1” 

“ This young woman, as 1 told you, is an enthu- 
siast in the work of seeing unknown countries, 
climbing mountains that have never yet been scaled, 
and, in fact, accomplishing deeds that you men love 
so dearly.” 

“ 1 remember she spoke* of being fond of'travel,” 
he mutters, thoughtfully. This surprise has taken 
his breath away, and for the time being Mynheer 
Joe is not himself. 

“Just at present she has an object in her travel 
beyond mere adventure or sight-seeing. She is 
searching for a man." 

“ Ah !” 

“ By name, Joseph M. Carringford.” 

“On deck. What will she do when she finds this 
same personage ?” 

“ Endeavor to send him home to Philadelphia in 
time to secure his inheritance. She believes the 
old man’s will is unjust, and desires to set matters 
right. No one looks for the missing Carringford 
more earnestly than this girl who would most profit 
by his absence.” 


NEWS FROM OVER THE OCEAN. 


95 


“ Then Molly Tanner is one in a thousand. I 
knew I could not be mistaken in her face. Here is 
another peculiar tie that draws us together. Make 
up your mind, Mr. Grimes,’’ as he tosses his cigar 
away and jumps to his feet, “ I go to India from 
here, and the chance is now one in a thousand that 
I turn up in Quakerdom in time to secure the con- 
ditions of the will.” 

Mr. Grimes does not rise, but puffs away at his 
Havana, brought across the water, while he looks 
after Mynheer Joe’s retreating form. 

“ Well,” he says with a chuckle, “ two and two 
make four. The magnet draws — he goes to meet 
her. I may be beaten in one sense, but there are 
more ways of accomplishing a thing than enter into 
your philosophy, Horatio. Kismet! It is indeed 
fate !” 



CHAPTER VIII. 


SANDY. 

Mynheer Joe enters the nearest room and finds a 
few of the guests scattered about. His eye seeks 
one form alone — and finds it not. It is uncertain 
how Molly will receive him, as he cannot tell 
whether, her father will relate the circumstances of 
the affair to her or not. 

Conscious that a pair of eyes have fastened upon 
him, he looks across the room to see the small man 
whom Grimes designated as the wily baron, the 
secret emissary of the Russian government, sniiling 
and nodding in a condescending way that is irritat- 
ing, to say the least. 

Just then Mynheer Joe has a peculiar sensation 
sweep ovpr him ; he is conscious of a deep dislike 
toward this man. He does not attempt to explain 
the feeling. Perhaps it is rivalry that brings these 
two together — a striving after the smiles of a beau- 
tiful girl. 


[96] . 


SANDY. 


97 


Molly Tanner brushes past the baron at this mo- 
ment, having been able to leave her parent, who is 
not badly injured in any way. The Russian puts 
out a hand to stay her passage, but she heeds him 
not, advancing straight as the home flight of a bee 
for the spot where the explorer stands. In another 
moment she is at his side. 

“ How is your father?” he manages to ask, feeling 
like a hypocrite ; and, but for the fact of his face 
being already tanned, the blood mounting upward 
would betray him. 

“ He feels no effect from his fall, but is full of deep 
anger,” Molly replies. 

“ Against — the man who struck him ?” 

“No, singularly enough he doesn’t seem to feel 
that way toward the wretch. His anger is wholly 
directed against the man who threw the banana- 
skin upon the flags on which he slipped at the time 
he was struck.”' 

“Oh!” says Joe, with a gurgling smile, as he 
grasps the defeated gladiator’s ruse to excuse his 
downfall. “ Singular how accidents will happen. 
I’ve had as strange things occur to me at times. 
But, Miss Molly, how is it with you ? If your father 
does not bear malice toward the unlucky offender 
who was so rash as to measure strength with him, 
do you also forgive him ?” 

“ Not I — thezvretch. It was my dear old governor 
he struck. If I had been present I’m afraid I might 
have done something desperate.” 

And her flashing eyes give Joe an idea that this is 
no mere idle threat on her part. 

He shrugs his shoulders and continues : 


I 


98 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ I believe it was a fair, stand-up business. But 
we will not discuss it further, Miss Molly.” 

“ Pardon me, but — ” she stammers. 

“What can 1 do for you ?” seeing she is about to 
ask some favor at which she hesitates. 

“ I don’t know why I speak to you in this way, 
since I have known you for so short a time. 1 have 
numerous friends here — acquaintances, I should call 
them — but you saved my life, and, somehow I feel 
that lean say to you what 1 should hesitate to speak 
to others.” 

“Yes,” he utters encouragingly, feeling deeply 
flattered by her words, and yet conscious of an 
uneasy sensation, for the baron is glaring at him 
from across the room, and there is something bale- 
ful in that diplomat’s frown. 

“ Will you help me?” she asks bluntly. 

“ I promise you, to the best of my ability,” he 
replies without a second thought. 

‘‘A thousand thanks. I knew 1 could depend 
upon you,” she murmurs. 

Mynheer Joe does not dream the nature of the 
request she is about to make. 

“ What can 1 do for you,” he finally asks. “ Do 
not hesitate. Speak out.” 

“ You may think me vindictive, perhaps.” 

“ Never!” 

“ But when I think of the dear old governor 
being so badly used, my blood fairly boils.” 

“ Ah !” 

“ Do you think 3 ^ou could find the wretch who 
beat my governor. Mynheer Joe ?” 

“ I am sure of it,” stoutly. 


BAWDY. 


99 


Will you do this — for me?” 

“ Assuredly.” 

“ And bring him before me ?” 

“ I will drag him there by the neck and the heels, 
though he has the strength ol a Samson.” 

This wonderful speech receives its reward, of 
course, in the shape of a sweet smile ; but it is still 
too early to tell what the designs of the explorer 
may be. 

“You are very kind. Mynheer Joe. When this 
fellow is before me, I am in doubt what to do 
— whether to give him a piece of my mind or use a 
whip on him, as I have read before of energetic 
women doing. In some way I must show him that 
he cannot beat my dear governor with impunity.” 

Joe almost smiles as he thinks of the ferocious 
and warlike Tanner having need of such a defender 
as this. But the situation is so extremely delicate 
and desperate that he has no heart to be amused at 
its ridiculous side. 

“ Will you leave the decision with me ?” he asks, 
having a bold idea. 

“ With pleasure,” she replies. 

“ And abide by the result?” 

“ Yes, indeed. It will take a load off my mind to 
have you decide my course.” 

“ Then, if I were you, I would not think of doing 
anything with a whip. In the first place, it will 
get your name in the papers — news-gatherers are so 
ready to seize upon a sensation and make the most 
of it. Thus you would find people turning to look 
at you in the street, not because you had done any- 


100 


MYNHEER JOE. 


thing noble, but because 3'ou had horse- whipped a 
man who lor some reason was powerless to resist.” _ 

“ Say no more ; I really did not dream of it.” 

“ Besides,” he goes on, quietly, “ I have an idea 
the poor devil will suffer worse at words of reproach 
from your lips than he would under the tortures of 
El Mahdi.” 

It shall be as you say, Mynheer Joe, only I must 
give him to understand that the next similar 
offense — ” 

“ Yes — the next similar offense--” 

“ Will not only be followed by displeasure but 
something more lasting.” 

“You need never fear that this unlucky wretch 
will ever offend again in the same way. 1 can 
guarantee that. Miss Molly. It was all a mistake, 
anyhow, which I can explain. You see, he had a' 
positive idea — ” 

Unfortunately for his peace of mind. Mynheer 
Joe gets no further than this. They are interrupted. 
The baron and a companion come up and intro- 
duce some subject that all Cairo is talking about. 

Molly looks annoyed, while Mynheer Joe is 
secretly fuming. He silently nurses his wrath, hop- 
ing that some time the chance may come when he 
can take it out upon the baron. Depend upon it, 
he will no longer stand between the other and any 
vengeance he may invite; indeed, it would do him 
good to watch a man of about Tanner’s build use the 
baron neatly up. His ideas have changed, you see. 

Then Sandy makes his appearance, and Joe pres- 
ently finds himself tHe-a-tite with his voluble news- 
paper friend. 


SANDY. 


101 


There are times when one desires a confidant; 
even a man likes to pour his woes into a sympathetic 
ear. Mynheer Joe’s life has been such that, as a 
general thing, he has been deprived of this privil- 
ege ; but he has the feeling deep down in his heart 
all the same. 

In Sandy he sees the friend who may help him 
out of the hole. A suggestion will do it, for his 
brain, usually so clear, seems strangely muddled 
just at present. 

Besides, the war correspondent knows Molly and 
her father very well, having met them in various 
places. Perhaps he can discover a loophole of 
escape, whereby Joe may crawl out of his awkward 
scrape with honor. 

Having made up his mind to trust Sandy, he first 
of all draws a pledge from him that he will not 
reveal a word of the story or hint at it in any of his 
correspondence ; all of which Sandy, duly impressed 
with the gravity of the situation, solemnly promises. 

Then Joe relates the difficulty into which his 
impetuosity and love of fair play have led him, nor 
does he forget to lay due emphasis on the fact that 
when taking the little man’s part he fancied and 
truly believed he was defending the dear old gov- 
ernor himself. 

Sandy holds in as long as he can, and at last, 
doubling up, shakes all over with laughter. It is 
silent, too, all but the gurgling sounds as of water 
bubbling down a rocky ravine. 

Mynheer Joe appreciates the situation, knows he 
has made a consummate donkey of himself, and 
although naturally tempted to make use of his 


102 


MYNHEER JOE. 


boot, firmly refrains. Two mistakes do not make 
a right. Sandy has reason to be merry. And, 
besides, Joe realizes that he has need of advice 
from this sagacious writer — this little man who has, 
figuratively, waded knee-deep in gore at battles, 
searching for news. 

The great obligation under which he has, this 
night, placed Sandy, by giving him the story of 
Khartoom’s downfall and Gordon’s death, must 
serve as a lever to lift him from the slough of 
despond. Back of it, of course, is Sandy’s personal 
regard for his fellow-citizen. That goes a great 
way. He patiently waits till the other has had his 
laugh out. 

“ I must beg your pardon, Joe. Awful trick, that 
of yours. Too impulsive by half, my dear boy. If 
you had known the baron as I do — ” 

“ I would have danced to see him knocked out !” 
cries Mynheer Joe, vindictively. 

“ Ho ! You’ve come to it already, eh ? Thought 
it would be that way. Expect pistols for two 
between you and the baron yet. Sly fellow, that 
man. They do say he ’s downed half a dozen men 
in affairs of honor, with sword or pistol.” 

Mynheer Joe snaps his fingers. 

“ To the deuce with the baron ! If he ever comes 
in my way, I ’ll ring his beastly neck as 1 would that 
of a chicken !” he mutters. 

“ Good ! Glad to hear you say so ! , Despise the 
fellow myself. And yet, Joe, he’s a power in the 
land, protected by a hired gang that is paid by 
Russian gold. When the time comes, if it ever 
does, for you to lay that plotter out, remember that 


SANDY. 


103 


the moment your hand touches him it will be a 
signal for several desperadoes to leap into the game, 
armed, and ready to take life, if necessary, in order 
to save the emissary who is worth so much to 
Russia.” 

Mynheer Joe gives a low whistle. 

“ The deuce ! Do you happen to know these 
men, Sandy?” he asks in a low tone. 

“Two of them I am sure of. There is another 
who baffles me. Without any apparent motive, 
cast your eyes across the room. Do you see that 
tall, elegant-looking man in full evening-dress ? He 
is known here as Colonel Taylor, an ex-Confederate 
officer. In reality, he is a Russian spy, and one of 
the things he is paid for is to be always at the elbow 
of the baron, so that a signal will fetch him up. Tve 
see the baron in many places since coming to Cairo, 
but never has Colonel Taylor been more than fifty 
feet away.” 

“ And the other shadow ?” pursues Joe, whose 
mind is working upon a subject. 

“ He is a dark-skinned fellow — a native of India, I 
believe. You know the baron leaves Cairo for Bom- 
bay or Calcutta soon, and this man will be of great 
use to him there.” 

“ See here,” says Joe, quietly, “ I remember such 
a fellow. He caught my eye on the square at the 
time I noticed the disturbance. He made me think 
of my faithful Kassee, which fact causes me to 
remember him. At the time he was just back of 
Tanner ; indeed, not five feet separated them.” 

“ Just so,” remarks Sandy, significantly. 

“ An idea strikes me.” 


104 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Well, let’s hear it.” 

“ It is possible that had Tanner been forced into 
conclusions with the baron, he would have been set 
upon by these Thugs.” 

I am positive of it.” 

“ Such a thing would explain the confident assur- 
ance of the baron.” 

“ Yes.’’ 

“ A brilliant thought comes to me, Sandy.” 

“ I can guess it, old fellow.” 

“ In knocking Demosthenes Tanner out, I was 
really doing him the greatest favor.” 

“ No doubt of it.” 

“ Saving his life.” 

“They would have nearly or quite finished him.” 

“ If she could only be induced to see the thing in 
that light.” 

“'Depend upon it, Joe, my dear fellow, she shall, 
I myself will undertake to open her eyes.” 

“ God bless you, Sandy !” 

“ One good turn deserves another. You gave me 
a monopoly of your startling news, and that is some- 
thing I can never repay. Rest assured that when 
Sandy Barlow has had his tete-a-tite with Miss 
Molly, she will believe you a god.” 

“ Heavens, don’t draw it too strong, my boy !” 

“ I shall deceive her only in one thing.” 

“ What is that ?” 

“You knew or suspected the truth when you 
rushed into the breach.” 

“ That will hardly do, for )^ou remember I 
thought the small man was her father 

“ Bosh ! Don’t tell her that — she will feel insulted 


SANDY. 


105 


— thinks the old governor is the handsomest man in 
the world. No, no, you must have suspected the 
truth beforehand — wee’ll give you the benefit of the 
doubt, anyway.” 

Take a look across — as I live, that little fiend is 
himself telling Molly the truth. Notice the look 
upon her fac(?— she can’t wholly believe him. Con- 
found the villain, he’s got the start of me ! Now, 
what am I to do, my good friend ?” 

Joe has been considerably shaken up by what he 
has just seen, and he turns to his companion for 
consolation. 

Fortunately, Sandy is equal to the emergency, 
and quickly responds : 

“ Leave Miss Molly to me, Joe. 1 ’ll undo all that 
rascal has built up, and establish you in her heart 
more firmly than ever,” he says, at which the travel- 
ler squeezes his hand in a way that marks his grati- 
tude. 

“ Again I say, bless you, my boy. What a fix 1 
would be in, only for your genius in arranging 
things.” 

“ Don’t mention it. Time may be near at hand 
when poor Sandy shall have need of your strong, 
right hand — who knows ?” 

“ And willingly shall it be placed at his disposal. 
But, see here, I ought to have a hand in my own 
redemption — I don’t like the idea of standing around 
doing nothing while 3^011 accomplish the work.” 

“ That’s just like a man of your size, Joe. Well, 
I see no reason why- you shouldn’t hold up your end 
of the log !” 

“ Good !” 


106 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ While I win over the daughter, you can be 
patching up the peace with the awful dad.” 

“ Good heavens, face that tartar again ! Td 
sooner take a whipping !” 

“Hush! He’s her dear old governor — a savage 
ril admit, someways, but the better you know him 
the more you ’ll find in Demos to admire. Diamond 
in the rough, you see.” 

“ Exactly. Well, I do admit I could see some- 
thing of a sterling character back of the exterior. 
Yes, I ’d even grow to like the old bear, if need 
be.” 

“ For Molly’s sake !” says Sandy slyly. 

“ For Molly’s sake,” returns Joe, unabashed. 

“ See here, old chap, don’t you think you ’re — 
well, rushing matters?” 

“ How so ?” 

“Just got in to-night from Khartoom — lought a 
duel on Esbehiyeh square and already arranging to 
make way with your rival for the hand of the belle 
of Cairo, whom you have met to-night — ’’ 

“ Do you mean Molly?” interrupted Joe. 

“ Of course, man.” 

“ You forget, Sandy, she has belonged to me fora 
whole )'ear. I saved her from death in the Medi- 
terranean at Malta, and ever since her fair face has 
haunted me, sleeping or waking. I felt that, if I 
lived, we would come together someivhere. You 
don’t know what a solace it has been to me, in times 
of danger, to think that I had been able to do her a 
service and that this invisible bond united us, though 
we might be thousands of leagues apart.” 

“ 1 see, you’re a gone case, Joseph.” 


SANDY. 


107 


“ Proud to admit it, Sandy. Think of the peculiar 
circumstances that unite us, outside of the fact that 
I saved her life and that both of us are crazy on the 
subject of travel.” 

Hereupon, in a sketchy way, he relates the story 
of the legacy in all its peculiar details. 

Sandy’s mouth opens as he hears. He utters 
exclamations repeatedly about it being the most 
remarkable thing he ever listened to and worthy of 
recording. When Mynheer Joe finally ceases, the 
little war correspondent finds it his turn to do the 
squeezing act, and lends all his power to the work 
of crushing the traveller’s strong hand ; but Joe 
minds it little more than he might the buzzing of a 
fly. Sandy evidently is not much of a success at 
such work. 

“ Most remarkable case. Never heard the equal 
of it, my boy. Oh, the baron little suspects what a 
miserable show he has ! Not that she would prob- 
ably look at him even if you were not here ; but, 
then, there 's no accounting for the taste of our 
American belles, I ’m sorry to say,” heaving a sigh 
as he catches a glimpse of his own diminutive person 
in a glass. ^ 

“ Many a flower, you know, Sandy, is born to 
blush unseen,” says Joe, consolingly, “and who 
knows but what some day you may jump in and save 
an heiress from a watery grave, to be rewarded 
with her hand.” 

“ All very good,” groans Sandy, with mock des- 
pair, “ but 1 can’t swim a stroke.” 

“ Then I advise you to take lessons in the Nile at 
once. Every man should be prepared to accept his 


108 


MYNHEER JOE. 


fate as it comes, and be ready to rescue a drowning- 
maiden.” 

ril do it !” said Sandy, impulsively^ 

“Oh, not just now, I hope?” as the other moves 
off. 

“ Hardly, my boy. I notice that the baron has 
left Miss Molly, she stands there looking disconsol- 
ate. I am off to cheer her up — to whisper words of 
consolation in her gentle ear that will warm her 
heart toward a certain person of my acquaintance.’’ 

“ Thanks, mv fine fellow, and don’t forget to pray 
for me.” 

“ Eh — what now, Joe?” 

“ Because, while you enjoy your tete-a-tite with 
an angel, I shall be engaged with — well, hardly the 
Old Nick, but at least, the governor. I go now to 
beard the lion in his den, and fate holds the scales 
in the balance.” 



BOOK 11. 


THE DUEL UNDER THE PALMS. 


CHAPTER IX. 

“ MYNHEER JOE, AWAKE — DANGER !” 

It is little trouble for Mynheer Joe to find out 
where Demosthenes Tanner is quartered. One of 
the English servants of Shepherd’s gives him the 
information, and is tipped immediately in a way 
that warms his heart. 

As Joe passes by a window, on his way to the 
quarters of the great American orator, he is given 
a last glimpse of the drawing-room or parlor of 
the hotel and avails himself of the opportunity to 
take a look in the direction where he saw Molly 
standing. She is still there, but seated upon a Turk- 
ish divan ; and at her side is the little war-corres- 
pondent, talking earnestly. Joe’s heart gives a bound 
of pure delight when he notes the look of pleased 
surprise spreading over her fair countenance as she 

[109] 


110 


MVNHEEB JOE. 


hears Sandy’s marvelous tale ; for the latter is used 
to making the most of any news ; it is his daily busi- 
ness, and surely time has never given him a morsel 
he can enlarge upon with more pleasure than the 
valor of his dear friend Joe. 

‘‘ God bless him — he’s a comrade worth having. 
In battle brave as a lion despite his size ; in time of 
trouble a wise counselor. I hope the day will come 
when I can do as much for Sandy.” 

Thus muttering, Mynheer Joe moves along the 
corridor until he finally reaches the door to which 
he has been directed. He makes a survey and 
finds that the light flows from the windows, which 
is a pretty good indication that the inmate has not 
retired. Boldly he knocks — this thing has to be 
gone through with, and the sooner he starts at it 
the better. Besides, Joe has a pretty good idea that 
he holds the trumps and can best Demosthenes 
Tanner as readily at argument as he did in the 
duel. 

“ Come in !” roars a voice that would scare a 
crocodile half to death. 

Mynheer Joe opens the door and pushes through 
into the room, surprising the giant in the act of sat- 
urating a handkerchief with the extract of hamma- 
melis, as Joe instantly recognizes the odor. His 
back is toward the door, and he does not even turn 
his head to see who it is. 

“ A beastly long time coming, Tom ! Told Molly 
to send 3^ou here half an hour back. Don’t ask 
what’s the matter now. Been in one of my usual 
rows, you see ; only the seventh since leaving Con- 
stantinople. This time met a Tartar. Infornal rascal 


MYNHEER JOE, AWAKE DANGER !’’ 


Ill 


played with me. Just think of it — played with the 
only Tanner as a cat does a mouse, and then when 
he got tired, knocked me out. If I could only have 
him alone in this room five minutes, I ’d let him 
know I ain’t so green as I look, if I was caught nap- 
ping once! Here, Tom, 3^ou old heathen, take hold 
and tie this handkerchief back of my head. Have a 
stiff neck for a bloody week most likely. Not so 
tight, you murdering Hoosier ! D’ye want to kill 
me outright? There — that’ll do. Now sit down and 
have a glass with me. Be social, if it is past mid- 
night. That’s the best part of the day in this abom- 
inable country. Why don’t you say something, 
3^011 miserable mute! What! You? Death ’and 
furies! Here’s treachery !”' 

The roar he gives as his one uncovered eye falls 
upon the face and figure of -Mynheer Joe is abso- 
lutely appalling. He starts back and attempts to 
throw himself into an attitude of defense, but strik- 
ing an obstacle, he sits down in an easy-chair so 
forcibly, that the breath is driven from his huge 
body, and he can only sit there and gasp, blinking at 
Joe like a great owl. 

The latter is strongly tempted to laugh. There 
is something so ridiculous in all this affair, but he 
realizes that such an act must forever ruin his 
chances of a reconciliation. He must control him- 
self until a more favorable opportunity comes 
about. 

Acting upon the impulse of the moment, he holds 
out his hand. 

“ Mr. Tanner, I have come here to beg your par- 
don for what has occurred. It was all a misundci\ 


112 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Standing on my part. I want you to shake hands 
with me and tell me you bear no malice,” he says 
frankly. 

Demosthenes Tanner grins a little, but as yet 
makes no move toward accepting the proffered 
hand. His neck twinges, and this sets him against 
his late antagonist. 

“Fine words don’t cure a stiff neck, sir. I confess 
I admire the way you took the part of a small man, 
and your style of using your dukes nearly won my 
heart ; but I refrain from making a peace, for I live 
in hopes of having another set-to, when 1 may have 
my revenge,” replies this singular specimen of 
Western chivalry. 

“ That will be impossible, sir. 1 will never strike 
a blow against you again since I have learned that 
you are Miss Molly’s father.” 

“ What the deuce has she to do with it ? If you 
and I choose to engage in a little sport of our own, 
whose business is it ?” growls Tanner, his hand now 
slowly advancing to meet that of the honorable 
antagonist, whom he respects as a foeman worthy of 
his steel. 

“ I repeat what 1 said, sir. I am sorry to have 
struck you. You must pardon my indiscretion— for 
Molly’s sake.” 

“ Now that ’s twice you ’ve brought her name into 
the affair. What in the mischief has she to do with 
it? What is she to you ? I don’t ever remember 
seeing you before to-night. Molly has a regiment 
of admirers, but she introduces me to every one. 
Who are you, sir?” 


113 


‘‘mynheer joe, awake — danger!’^ 

“ I am known as Mynheer Joe, sir, a corruption of 
my real name. 

“ Ah, the fellow they ’re all talking about ! Been 
up with Gordon, eh ? Great man, tlfat Gordon — 
wonderful man ! Tell me something about him. 
Since it was you who put me into this fix, it’s only 
fair to insist on you amusing me.” 

“ Presently, Mr. Tanner. First, are you going to 
shake hands with me ?” 

“ By Jove, yes, sir ! I like your looks. I like the 
way you swung that terrible right arm into my 
neck — 1 like you ! There’s my hand, and once 
Demosthenes Tanner gives it he never goes back on 
a friend.” 

Mynheer Joe has won, and as yet he has only 
made a beginning. Flushed with victory he 
squeezes the huge fist of the governor, who looks 
very amiable in his eyes now. Circumstances alter 
cases. The bull-like roar of the Western orator will 
never seem the same to him after this. 

“ Perhaps I have a claim on your friendship, Mr. 
Tanner,” he says modestly. 

“ How’s that. Unbosom yourself, my boy.” 

“It seems like egotism to speak of it, but your 
daughter will soon be telling you. I had the ex- 
treme pleasure of jumping overboard at Malta, a‘ 
year back, and assisting Miss Molly when she was 
thrown into the water.” 

Tanner gives another roar. He actually throws 
his arms around Mynheer Joe and hugs him much 
after the bear style. The explorer’s ribs threaten to 
give way under the pressure, and he is immeasur- 
ably relieved when Tanner has finished his demon- 


MYNHEEK JOE. 


lU 

stration, which is accompanied by a stringy of 
delighted expletives and a running fire of questions. 

Mynheer Joe explains matters as best he can, tell- 
ing why he hurried away without waiting to give 
even his name or meet the father of the young girl 
whose life he had saved. The orator has evidently 
fallen deeply in love with him ; he keeps his eyes 
constantly on Joe’s face and rubs his hands together 
in a delighted manner. 

The victory is so complete that Joe cannot but 
feel proud. He only hopes Sandy may have as 
earnest a measure of success in the other direction. 
Knowing the capacity of his friend for accomplish- 
ing what he sets out to perform, he does not much 
doubt the ultimate result of the other’s quiet inter- 
view with Molly. 

There is something more to tell, and he believes 
the opportunity is ripe for it. This is the line of 
thought advanced between Sandy and himself, and 
which concerns the probable outcome of the diffi- 
culty between Tanner and the baron, had it been 
allowed to go on. 

Tanner listens with wondering eyes and nodding 
head. It is all news to him, and yet he can easily 
believe it. Certain circumstances combine to force 
'him to this conclusion. 

“ So,” he bursts out with, at the conclusion of the 
recital, “ I was near being the victim of a conspir- 
acy, eh ? Perhaps the rascal had an idea he could 
run off with my girl, once the old man was out of 
the way. And you really saved my life by stepping 
in? Mynheer Joe, 1 am your debtor forever? 
Show me a way by means of which I can repay you. 


MYNHEER JOE, AWAKE DANGER !” 


115 


The baron is a Russian secret agent on his way to 
Indian, eh ? Perhaps we ’ll see more of him. I’m 
something of a diplomat myself, once I put my 
mind on it. Now, do you know what Demosthenes 
Tanner has a good notion to do ? Set up in opposi- 
tion to this rascally baron — play him for a sucker 
and land him in the arms of the British in Bombay. 
Why not — I come of old English stock, and my 
sympathies are against the movement of the bear 
in the direction of Fair India. Now don’t think me 
a fool — I reckon I can meet him even, brain for 
brain, and give him points. As for his dogs of war, 
1 match ’em here,” and the orator, with an astonish- 
ingly rapid movement, such as these Western men 
alone can show, produces a weapon from some 
secret pocket — a revolver that looks ferocious in 
the lamp-light. 

Mynheer Joe’s op)inion of Molly’s father takes an 
upward bound. He realizes that the giant is no 
simpleton, and has met too many strange people in 
his past to give up easily when brought in contact 
with a man of the baron’s caliber. 

The two gentlemen smoke a cigar in company, 
and then Joe takes his leave, promising to see the 
other on the morrow, and relate much of what 
occurred at Khartoom. He hopes Molly may be 
present, for her company will inspire him to do his 
best. 

“ I trust your inconvenience may be slight, and 
that you will harbor no ill-feeling toward me as the 
cause of your discomfort,” the explorer says, when 
taking his leave. 

'‘Nonsense! A mere love-tap! Don’t bother 


116 


MYNHEER JOE. 


yourself about it, my boy. I ’m used to worse things 
than that, I can tell you,” replies the orator, shaking 
hands warmly. 

Thus Mynheer Joe leaves him, and feels that his 
work has been a grand success. Light-hearted, he 
quits the apartments of Tanner, and once more seeks 
the realm where music and gayety abound, for the 
guests are having a last dance ere the enjoyable 
affair breaks up. 

He looks for Sandy, but that worthy seems to have 
vanished. It may be he has found something new 
to attract his notice, and is busily engaged getting 
it down in black and white. 

Joe only has a glimpse of Molly, and she does not 
see him as she passes through the rooms, bidding 
several lady friends good-night. Undoubtedly she 
is about to retire. 

This makes him think it might be as well for him 
to do the same, although he does not feel sleepy, 
after having wooed the gentle goddess for twent}-- 
four hours. 

Presently he runs across Mr. Grimes, and that 
worthy, being interested in all that pertains to his 
fortunes, at once asks numerous questions, receiving 
in reply a variet}" of information that he can sort 
over at leisure. 

He takes Joe to the office of the hotel in order to 
book him. Fortunately, some one has just departed, 
and there is a vacant room, to which he is assigned. 
Another chance places it next that of Mr. Grimes. ^ 

By this time the strains of the music have ceased, 
most of the people retired and many of the lights are 


“ MYNHEER JOE, AWAKE DANGER !” 


117 


being put out, so that Shepherd’s, after the hop, 
resumes its natural appearance. 

Out on the square of Esbehiyeh the utmost solitude 
reigns, broken only by the snarling of wandering 
dogs, which abound in the Cairo of to-day. The 
fakirs and mountebanks, snake-charmers and ped- 
dlers, curious idlers and beggars have all cleared out 
as the lights drop in the hotel. 

Cairo sleeps. 

Mynheer Joe finds himself alone in his room. His 
eyes are not a bit heavy, and he wonders what he 
will do with himself to pass the time away until 
morning. 

Joe’s one great vice lies in the fact that he is an 
inveterate smoker. Deprived of a cigar for six 
months, the weed seems doubly sweet to him just 
now, and he made sure to lay in a supply before 
leaving the office. 

His first act, therefore, upon finding himself alone 
in his room, is to draw a chair near the window, 
throw himself into it, produce a cigar, strike a match 
and start the engine. 

As with all old smokers this produces a train of 
reflection. He goes back to the moment when he 
opened his eyes on board the dahabeah and met 
his friends, Sandy and Mr. Grimes. Then it is easy 
to follow the track of events down to the present, 
and there are several places where Joe lingers ten- 
derly. 

What a strange series of adventures he looks back 
upon. 

“ And the end is not yet,” he mutters, as he con- 
templates the past through the halo of the blue 


ns 


MYNHEER JOE. 


smoke that circles around him, for, unless I ’m 
deucedly mistaken, there’s going to be a continua- 
tion of this warfare. It may extend even to India’s 
coral strand, if this little beast of a baron makes up 
his mind that he’s bound to possess Molly. Right 
now and here I make a vow that such a thing shall 
never be. Molly belongs to him — The deuce ! I’ll 
see him hanged first. And yet I don’t underrate 
the fellow. He ’s dangerous as a dynamite bomb, 
and must be handled with extreme care. 

This is Joe’s way to a dot. He is known as a brave 
but a careful man, one not called a Hotspur in any 
sense of the word, and 3^et ready to lead a forlorn 
hope or attempt a most perilous mission. In battle 
his strong right arm has been worth half a dozen 
ordinary men, and those under whom he fought 
have been accustomed to depend on him when diffi- 
culties arose. 

He smokes and ponders. 

Somehow the business makes him a trifle drowsy, 
and he thinks he might as well lie down for a spell. 
It will be several hours before day comes, and there 
can be no telling what may occur to exhaust him 
ere another opportunity occurs to get any sleep. 

Rising, he tosses the butt of his cigar out of the 
window. At the same time he stands there and 
glances around. 

The poor apology for an Egyptian moon has 
reached a respectable point up in the heavens, and 
as Joe looks out, he can see the grand plaza before 
him. Beyond are white-walled houses, the gleaming 
domes of mosques and needle-like minarets, from 


“mynheer joe, awake — danger!” 119 

which perchance at sunrise the muezzin will be call- 
ing all the faithful Mussulmans to prayer. 

Giving a yawn, he looks down and notes that the 
ground is not so far below but what an agile man 
could jump to it safely. 

Then Mynheer Joe throws himself upon the clean 
bed. It feels very comfortable, and he gives a grunt 
of satisfaction. It is not very often a man of his call- 
ing finds a chance to rest upon such a couch. More 
generally he lies upon a bed of leaves or the hard side 
of a plank on board some exploring boat. Certainly, 
Joe has been given no cot of roses while with Gor- 
don in Khartoom. This fact does not prevent a trav- 
eller used to roughing it from enjoying a soft thing 
when chance throws it in his way. 

He finds his senses fading, and then all becomes 
blank as sleep overpowers him. The hour passes 
on. All is silence around the famous hostelry save 
for the discordant barking of mangy curs upon the 
streets — a sound every sojourner in the land of 
Egypt becomes accustomed to, as it is unmercifully 
dinned into his ears in every city of size. 

Mynheer Joe has moved restlessly several times 
as though his dreams take him back to the exciting 
scenes at the beleaguered city on the Nile. 

Suddenly his eyes fly open. Could that be the 
effect of a vivid dream or did he really hear a sibi- 
lant whisper : 

“ Mynheer Joe, awake I Danger I” 

Never in all his life has this man of iron nerve 
been more completely aroused. He lies there as still 
as a rock, and yet with his senses and nerves on the 
qui vive. 


120 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Ha ! Is that a sound that reaches him from the 
direction of the window ? Gently he raises his head 
to look. What he sees in that one glance is quite 
enough to take away an ordinary man’s breath. 



V 



CHAPTER X. 

PLAYING TEN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 

The head of a man is outlined in the window- 
features are invisible, for it is only a silhouette against 
the background formed by the moonlight without. 
Evidently the unknown has some of the climbing 
qualities of an ape, since he has clambered up the 
face of a wall ten feet in height, aided by only a 
few running vines. 

Mynheer Joe shuts his teeth together with a 
click, and then, turning partly over, coolly watches 
the window, not forgetting to breathe regularly, as 
a sleeping person might. 

The head remains stationary for perhaps a minute, 
and it is evident that the man is bending his ear to 
listen eagerly. Then the head vanishes once more. 

Joe takes, advantage of the respite to change his' 
position still more, assuming one where he can con- 
centrate all his muscles into giving a tremendous 
leap. Then he calmly awaits the turn of events. 

Before long the head reappears again, this time 
seeming to have more confidence than on the pre- 

[I2I] 


122 


MYNHEER JOE. 


vioiis occasion. Nor does the man stop there — his 
shoulders appear and gradually he pushes his way up 
over the sill of the window. Ah, he is coming in, 
this uninvited guest ! 

Now he has passed the Rubicon and crouches 
upon the floor — Joe can just see him in the moon- 
light and at the same time notes another fact that 
fills him with wonder: A second head has bobbed 
up beyond the level line of the sill. Again he has 
the dark silhouette against the light background. 

“ Confusion !” thinks the traveller. “ Are my 
apartments about to be invaded by an army ? Has 
El Mahdi sent his advance guard against Cairo, or 
are they just common, ever3^-day robbers bent on 
plunder ?” 

He is not the man to lose time in useless specula- 
tion. Precious seconds are passing, and something 
must be done at once ere more of his unknown ene- 
mies gain the room. 

Fortunately, this man is accustomed to meeting 
emergencies, and thinks very little of it under ordin- 
ary circumstances. His plan of action is very 
simple and characteristic of his nature. 

The recumbent form upon the couch becomes 
imbued with sudden life. It is as if steel springs 
have been given to it. A stone could not be 
shot from a catapult with greater rapidity than he 
passes through space. 

There is hardly a sound heard to indicate his 
coming, and the crouching wretch upon the floor 
cannot have sufficient warning to get out of the way. 
He hears a rushing noise, and then something falls 
upon him, just as the eagle swoops on its prey. 


PLAYING TEN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 123 


A brief struggle ensues, during which the 
unknown emits several cries of rage. The man at 
the window hardly knows what to do, as he cannot 
tell the exact status of things inside, but believing 
his assistance may be needed, he starts to crawl 
over the sill. 

At this instant something comes against him with 
crushing force. It is the body of his companion, 
whom Mynheer Joe has bodily raised, with all the 
strength of his powerful arms, and tossed toward 
the opening. 

This concussion proves too much for the fellow 
who is in the act of clambering in. He loses his 
hold, clutches at the body of his companion, and, 
locked in each other’s arms, they go plunging down 
to the flags below. Joe hears the thud of their 
fall, and immediately looks out of the window. He 
sees a writhing mass below. Then a man scrambles 
to his feet and scuttles across the open, looking 
more like a skulking jackal than aught else. 

A groan from below. The second fellow is pick- 
ing himself up now. He, too, moves off with a 
painful limp, as though his fall had given him cause 
for suffering. Mynheer Joe laughs aloud in a 
mocking way. 

“ Come again, my friends ! The latch-string is 
always out !” he calls softly. 

There is no answer. And the second skulking 
form hides itself, as did the first, among the shadows 
on the other side of the plaza. 

The traveller still leans from his window and pon- 
ders. There is something about this business that 
puzzles him, and causes his brow to assume a seri- 


124 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ous, thoughtful expression. What did these men 
seek — his money or his life? The first thought is of 
course that they were ordinary robbers. Cairo 
swarms with them in spite of military precaution ; 
and there is no more cunning thief in all the world 
than he of Egypt — he can give his fellows all over 
the globe points and beat them. 

A second idea that has flashed into Joe’s mind is 
connected with the False Prophet. El Mahdi has 
emissaries in Cairo. Can it be that already the 
word has been passed among them to do him to 
death — him, the sole foreign survivor of the Khar- 
toom massacre ? 

Even this, though singular, seems to be near the 
truth, and yet Mynheer Joe has a third idea. He 
gropes after it in darkness, not being able to grasp 
the details and make a connected theory of it. 

“ Well ?” comes in a calm voice not more than five 
feet away from his ears, causing Joe to turn his head 
immediately. 

He sees a human head in the moonlight, thrust 
from an adjoining window. It is Mr. Grimes who 
has spoken. Then Joe remembers the peculiar cir- 
cumstances of his awakening. Could it be possible 
after all that he heard a voice whisper : 

“ Mynheer Joe, awake — danger !” 

“They have gone but are not forgotten,’’ mur- 
murs Mr. Grimes, humorously. 

“ You saw them, then?” asks Joe, quickly. 

“ Well, rather,” replies the other, chuckling; “and 
it that last fellow don’t feel sore to-morrow, I ’m 
mistaken in my guess.” 


PLAYING TEN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 125 


“ I hope he will — it may lead me to identify the 
rascal. Mr. Grimes?” 

“Yes.” 

“ Was it you who warned me?” 

“I whispered through a crack in the wall in 
about the spot I believed your bed to be.” 

“ A thousand thanks, my dear sir. When I 
awoke I hardly knew whether 1 had dreamed it or 
not. Then my eye caught the fellow’s head at the 
window. I waited until he crawled in and then 
doubled both up together.” 

“Very neatly^ done, sir, 1 must say. These ras- 
cally thieves are very daring just at present.” 

“ I have been thinking it over, and had about 
come to the conclusion that these fellows were bent 
upon something else.” 

“Eh! You mean murder? That they are some 
of the Mahdi’s followers or spies, determined to 
have vengeance on you for the part you took at 
Khartoorn ?” says Mr. Grimes. 

“ Perhaps so. Are you dressed, sir?” 

“ Partially so. I couldn’t sleep and was looking 
out of the window from an easy-chair when I heard 
a noise and caught sight of the sly rascals climbing 
up the wall like a couple of monkeys. I was puz- 
zled at fii-st how to warn you, and only hit upon 
that little scheme as a happy thought. Glad to 
know it worked so well.” 

“ Would you mind coming into my room?” 

“Not at all,” responds pseudo silver king, 
cheerfully. “ I ’m always at the service of my 
friends, and particularly Mynheer Joe.” 


126 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ I want to investigate something — think I’ve got 
a clew to a still darker piece of business.” 

“ Good for you, my boy !” 

Mr. Grimes’s head vanishes from the window. 
When, a few minutes later, he opens the door of 
Joe’s room, which the latter has unfastened, he finds 
that worthy has lighted a lamp, with which the 
room is fortunately provided in place of the ordinary 
candle. 

Mynheer Joe seems to be bending low, as if ex- 
amining something on the floor. Has the man upon 
whom he pounced been wounded, and does Joe think 
he can learn anything from the stains left behind. 

As Mr. Grimes bends over his shoulder, he makes 
a discovery that forces an exclamation from his lips. 
Upon the floor can be seen the fragments of a small 
vial that has evidently been shattered by some vio- 
lent concussion. This, in itself, is not what wrenches 
that cry from the detective. He sees the matting 
covering the floor discolored and eaten into by some 
power! Ill agent. 

“ What do you say ?” asks Joe, solemnly. 

Mr. Grimes rubs one finger over the ruined mat- 
ting and feels the result almost immediately. 

“ There can be no question about the nature of 
that acid,” he replies, and his whole manner is sober, 
as though lie realizes the extreme gravity of the 
situation. 

Mynheer Joe nods his head. 

“ It is the proof I was looking for. My suspicions 
now have a double foundatian. I no longer grope 
in the dark — I see.” 

“ One thing is as evident to me as the nose on your 


PLAYING TEN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 


127 


face. You have a foe who would hesitate at nothing 
in order to gain revenge. A fiend in mortal shape 
for whom the tortures of the Inquisition would be 
too good.” 

“Exactly! You understand, this party does not 
yet seek my death, but would make me a hideous 
object for life, from whom women, and one woman 
in particular, must turn with shuddering horror.” 

“ Good Heavens, Joe, can you mean it?” 

“ Does not the evidence point that way 1 The 
one woman to whom I have reference — let me be 
plain in this — is Molly Tanner. Who is it hates me 
because she smiles on me. You, yourself, told me 
this baron was a human fiend who had fought 
numerous duels and who looked upon the lives of 
his fellows as mere stepping-stones by means of 
which he could climb upward!” 

“ Perhaps you are right, sir,” says Grimes, reflec- 
tively. 

He cannot quite come to the conviction that a 
white man could be guilty of such a dastardly piece 
of business. 

“ And I grow more positive of it with every 
breath that [ draw. I have not yet told you of the 
first cause for such a suspicion that came to me,” 
pursues Joe, in the earnest way that marks his 
advance always. 

“ Suppose you do.” 

“ When I jumped on the fellow who was crouching 
here, I must have sent this vial flying from his hand — 
see where it struck the wall and was smashed. My 
idea, of course, was to clutch him and toss the rascal 
through the open window, but he squirmed like an 


128 


- MYNHEER 'JOE. 


eel, and hence I was compelled to cJeal him several 
good blows about the ribs to quiet him. It was 
during the progress of this little campaign that the 
fellow gave utterance to several cries. It was not 
a Moor nor an Arab nor )' et a fellah who called out, 
but a Hindoo beseeching Brahma to save him from 
the foreign devil.” 

Mr. Grimes gives vent to an expression that 
marks his surprise, and yet, being a very conserva- 
tive man, he is not wholly ready to agree with his 
friend. 

“You are sure there could be no mistake ?” he 
asks, realizing what this discovery on the part of 
Mynheer Joe really means. 

“ I can stake my life on it. Having travelled 
over India and spent much time among the natives, 
I am competent to judge. The man I tossed out of 
the window as though he were a bundle of sticks 
was beyond all question a Hindoo, and the only one 
I have met in all Cairo has been the man whom you 
pointed out as a follower of the baron, who was to 
prove so valuable to him when he reached the land 
of the Ganges.” 

“Then I must believe it — that baron is a fiend in 
his way. He has a long head, too, for already has 
he seen that you are the man destined to give him 
the most trouble in connection with Molly, and he 
would in the start knock you out of the race.” 

Mynheer Joe shrugs his shoulders. 

“ 1 see very plainly that I shall have to be the 
death of this baron yet, or else he must take my life. 
Think of it, man: Ten hours ago I did not know 


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PLAYING TKN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 


129 


he existed ; now the world is too small for both of 
us to live.” 

“ Astonishing ! Never heard of such a rapid 
advance in my life !” declares the other. 

“ And yet it is perfectly legitimate. You under- 
stand that there is a difference here. I have known 
Molly, in one sense, much longer than this man has ; 
3 ^es, and have had a claim upon her gratitude, some- 
thing to keep her mind fixed upon me, so that she 
recognized me at sight. Something tells me this 
baron and myself will yet meet face to face as foes.” 

If you do, I trust your good angel will be hover- 
ing near to guard and protect. The baron is an 
exceedingly dangerous man. I have been watching 
him at my lesiure here, and learned enough to tell 
me that he is unscrupulous and crafty ; besides, his 
government has surrounded him with a bulwark of 
defense. You must not underrate this man, my 
friend, whatever else you do. He is in the habit of 
having his own way with men. 1 have seen num- 
bers of those whom I believed to be at least ordin- 
arily brave men bow and smile before him, as 
though they actually feared his power.” 

“ Bah ! That is not in Mynheer Joe’s line at all. 
I am an American, and I bend my head to no man 
in obeisance, with all respect to the crowned heads 
of Europe. Let the fight come off. We shall see 
who wins.” 

The baron will, at least, have an adversary in 
Mynheer Joe who knows no fear — one who has met 
danger in all its guises and wrested victory from 
many a threatened defeat. When two such men 


130 


MYNHEER JOE. 


meet in deadly array, the result is sure to be inter- 
esting — to those who may look on as spectators. 

Mr. Grimes cautions his friend to sleep with one 
eye open after this. 

“Do you know what I 've a notion to do?” says 
Joe, deliberately. “ Gather up the remains of this 
broken vial, wrap them up securely, and, by special 
messenger, send them to the baron in the morning, 
with some such line as this: ‘ First attempt a failure. 
Try again, dear baron.’ Or perhaps 1 might say : 
‘If you could only have seen the chap who carried 
this plunge through the window, baron !’ ” 

Mynheer Joe is inclined to be facetious, but his 
companion looks further and sees more clearly. 

“ That would be imprudent, my friend,” he says. 

“ Tell me exactly how.” 

“Well, 3 ^ou unmask your batteries and let him 
know that you have discovered his advance. That 
is what we call bad polic}^ in a game.” 

“ Ah, yes, 1 begin to see already.” 

“ Far better to keep him in ignorance, and then 
you have the advantage. He may never know that 
you suspect him. Let it be set down that some ras- 
cally robbers attempted to get in your room and you 
fired ’em out.” 

“ 1 had an idea, you understand, that by letting 
this man know I was on to his game 1 could hold 
him responsible for the future.” 

“ Nonsense ! The baron would be responsible for 
nothing. He ’s as slippery as an eel. Depend upon 
it, you can’t meet him squarely. But if you ever 
get the better of him, it will be by using his own 
weapons.” 


PLAYING TEN-PINS WITH A HUMAN BALL. 


131 


There is sound advise in this, which Mynheer Joe 
may profit by. It must not be understood that he is 
ignorant of such characters. He has met all kinds 
and conditions of men during his years of travel, and 
even among the blacks of the African wilds been 
compelled to overcome strategy with the same 
tactics. 

After a little more talk, Mr. Grimes retires to his 
room, and Mynheer Joe throws himself down upon 
his cot again. It is hardly probable that the same 
intruders will attempt anything more in that line, at 
least not on this night. 

So the explorer takes cat-naps until morning 
comes. Then he finds the sky ablaze as the sun rises 
in a sea of red — a spectacle that is awe-inspiring in 
its grandeur. Being a lover of nature. Mynheer Joe 
gloats over the view and regrets to see the bright 
colors fade away. 

Another day in Egypt has begun, a day of sight- 
seeing to the many travellers who come to feast 
their eyes on storied Nile, majestic pyramids, won- 
derful ruins, strange tombs hewn in the rocks of the 
Mokkatam Hills above Cairo, and, above all, the 
massive Sphinx, that guards the remains of a temple 
under the sand — a day that may have much to do 
with the fortunes of Mynheer Joe and those he calls 
friends. 



CHAPTER XI. 

COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 

Shepherd’s is astir. 

Parties are sallying forth, equipped for sight- 
seeing. Some go by the river, while others mount 
donkeys, according to what they mean to gaze upon. 
The scene in front of the hotel is once more one of 
confusion. Finely dressed dragomans are bustling 
about, ordering the donkey-boys this way and that, 
and assuming an air of most tremendous importance. 
Indeed, it could be easily imagined that some great 
Eastern potentate is about to set out on a most won- 
derful journey, to see the excitement that reigns in 
front of the hotel. • 

Every day, during the winter season, it is the 
same. These tourists, principally English and 
American, who make the rounds of Egypt, leave a 
large, sum of money behind them, and if a year 
comes when some dread disease keeps the tide of 
travel awa}^ there will be mourning in the land ol 
[132] 



COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 133 


the khedive among Turk, Arab, Moor and native 
fellahin. 

Mynheer Joe, after breakfast, is seated where he 
may watch this panorama and enjoy its peculiar 
features as only one can who is a veteran traveller 
or has no business on hand. 

While Joe sits upon the piazza he sees one ap- 
proaching whose coming fires his heart. Of course, 
it is Molly — no one else could make his blood leap 
so madly. She reaches his side, and Mynheer Joe is 
on his feet instantly, offering her a chair. He makes 
a move to toss his w^eed away, but she calls out : 

“ Refrain ! I know it would give you pain in the 
first place, and in the open air I really enjoy the 
odor of a good cigar,” she laughs. 

He looks at his weed doubtfully. 

“This is Turkish tobacco and has a fine reputa- 
tion, but I rather prefer the American when I can 
get it, or Havana, which is the same thing. How- 
ever, since you are so kind, I will keep it, and take 
a seat to leeward,” which he does with much 
pleasure. 

She does not look as though bent upon a mission 
of reproach. Joe takes courage and boldly opens 
the game himself. 

“ You have learned the truth. Miss Molly. I was 
in the act of confessing, myself, when the baron and 
his friend interrupted us.” 

“ Yes, I know all about it,” she replies, nodding. 

“ And you don’t bear malice ?” eagerly. 

“ How could I — against the one who saved my 
life — and under such extraordinary circumstances as 
this thing was done, too. No, since my father has 


134 


MYNHEER JOE. 


forgiven you, I will not be backward about doing 
the same. Besides, he firmly believes that you saved 
his life, in some way that he would not explain.” 

It is evident that Molly does not know all, and is 
ignorant that the baron is the prime cause of this 
trouble. Some men would have taken solid satis- 
faction in informing her as to the truth, and with 
good reason, too ; but Mynheer Joe seems to be 
above it. 

” Let us drop the whole matter. Miss Molly,” he 
says, quite willing it shall be forgotten. 

She looks at him a little queerly, for it has already 
occurred to her woman’s mind that there is some- 
thing back of it all which she had not yet fathomed — 
something concerning an unknown quantity, the ter- 
rible danger at which her father has hinted without 
giving an}^ details; and like others of the human 
family. Miss Molly is gifted with a certain amount 
of curiosity, that trait not wholly confined to her 
sex. 

“Very well, it shall be just as you say, on one 
condition. Mynheer Joe,” she replies. 

“ What is that ?” he asks. 

“ Some time you will tell me what this danger is 
that hangs over the governor’s head.” 

“ Yes, 1 promise, but it is no longer there, I assure 
you,” he makes answer. 

They drift on to general topics, and then Demos- 
thenes Tanner’s voice is heard in the land, as he 
figuratively demolishes a clumsy waiter who has 
had the misfortune to step on his pet corn. 

He joins them and greets them with a warmth, 
that proves his mind has undergone no change, since 


COMING EVENTS OAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 135 


they parted on the previous night. Turning his 
head right and left, he shows that it is still in a ser- 
viceable condition. 

“ A little stiff in the neck, that’s all, my boy. 
Wonderful stuff, hammamelis ! Only for my having 
a bottle along, I’d have been laid up for a week. 
Jove! Feel that muscle ! Like steel! I say, this 
business of exploring the wilds is no child’s play, 
after all. Is it?” 

He rattles on, drawing two chairs up, placing his 
feet on one, and bringing into view an enormous 
cigar, which must have been made especially for a 
man of his size. 

So Joe has to describe, how, on many an occasion, 
he and his men have been compelled to actually 
hew a way through a dense network of vines and 
fallen trees, that covered the stream they were nav- 
igating. 

By degrees, they get him to Khartoom, and as 
he had promised Tanner the story of that doomed 
city’s fall, he proceeds to give a graphic description 
of what took place, from the time of Gordons 
arrival up to the ill-fated 26th of January, when the 
Christian hero fell, a martyr to political hesitation 
at home, betrayed by those in whom he trusted. 

Mynheer Joe would speak as little as possible of 
his own share in these tragic events, but they draw 
him out, and he is thus compelled to tell what hap- 
pened. 

While Molly sits there, her lovely eyes glued on 
the face of the speaker, deep admiration and even 
growing love kindling her fine features, the baron 


136 


MYNHEER JOE. 


glares at the group from the other end of the 
piazza. 

He realizes that the fates have dealt him a terri- 
ble below, and that his case is indeed hopeless, unless 
fortune throws in his way a means of overturning 
circumstances. 

The baron chances to be one of those men who 
imagine that the battle is won by the party who 
fights for victory ; therefore he will nor be apt to sit 
around with his hands in his pockets. 

Already he has proven to what end he can be 
driven by necessity. None but a desperate fiend 
would ever think of getting a dangerous rival out of 
the way by such a plan as ruining his looks with 
acid. This same man is fertile in resources and dan- 
gerous as a foe. Mynheer Joe may learn to his cost 
that he was really safer among the howling, mad- 
dened dervishes of the Mahdi than he is in Cairo to- 
day. 

When the spectacle grows too bitter for him to 
longer gaze upon, the baron walks away, muttering 
to himself. 

Mr. Grimes has from a place of concealment been 
watching this game, and chuckles when he notes 
the diplomat’s discomfiture. Still keeping his eye 
upon him, he sees the baron signal a French 
ex-army-officer, who has some connection with the 
khedive’s pa’ace, being in his employ. 

These two talk long and earnestly, during which 
the baron glances a number of times toward the trio 
on the piazza, and even the Frenchman looks earn- 
estly that way. 

“ Some deviltry afoot,” mutters Mr. Grimes, 


COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 137 


“ I ’d give a little to be able to hear what is said, 
but must find out the truth in another way.” 

Watching the couple, he finally sees them shake 
hands heartily ; the French officer bows, places a 
hand on his heart, makes a gesture and walks away. 
Whatever has been the purport of their conversa- 
tion, the matter has undoubtedly been arranged. 

As the baron passes Mr. Grimes, the latter quietly 
xollows him, making sure to attract no attention. 
In this way he sees the Russian diplomat finally 
enter a peculiar house, which has something of the 
appearance of a gymnasium. 

Loitering around, Mr. Grimes discovers an 
English gentleman, whom he knows, about to enter. 
He stops him, to ask a question, and learns that the 
building is an athletic club-room. His friend asks 
him to enter, which he willingly does, for this is 
exactly what he wants. 

A number of men are within. Some box ; others 
leap and swing dumb-bells ; while not a few use the 
foils. Mr. Grimes discovers the baron, dressed in 
a suit that is worn in the exercise, about to enter 
into an engagement with one of the professors. 
The sight somehow makes him jump at conclusions. 
Does the baron contemplate a duel? Since his 
villainous plan to destroy Joe’s looks has failed, 
will he endeavor to put the dashing explorer out of 
the way by a recourse to arms and the code of 
honor ? 

Mr. Grimes knows that this man has been a 
principal in many duels— that he is an expert swords- 
man and a dead shot. His size, instead of being 
against him, really gives him an advantage. 


138 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Hence Mynheer Joe's friend watches the work of 
the baron closely. Mr. Grimes is no swordsman 
himself, but he can tell good wrist-play, lunge and 
parry when he sees it. 

Before five minutes pass by he realizes that the 
baron is simply immense. He plays with the pro- 
fessor as a cat might with a mouse, and, whenever 
he feels in the humor, dazzles the man’s eyes with a 
flashing wall of steel, plucks his foil out of his grasp 
by a wonderful wrench, and laughs in a cold-blooded, 
sardonic way that sets Grimes wild. 

Heaven help poor Mynheer Joe, he thinks, if he 
stands before this little giant with a sword in his 
hand ! There is just about one chance in a dozen for 
him. He may outwit the baron in diplomacy, but 
cold steel held in the grasp of a wizard is a hard 
thing to beat. 

So Mr. Grimes watches and shudders, as, in imag- 
ination, he sees his friend occupying the place of 
the professor. Before now, under such circumstances, 
the baron’s cruel blade would have passed through 
his body. 

Mr. Grimes studies his method, hoping to find a 
weak spot. As has already been said he has con- 
siderable knowledge of the science, and after a time 
jumps at a conclusion. 

“ Heavens! This man, wonderful as he is, would 
stand a poor show against a left-handed swordsman ! 
I have seen Joe do a number of things with his left 
hand. If he handles a sword in that way — well, Mr. 
Baron, you may be astonished — that’s all.” 

When the baron has enjoyed himself to the full 
with the professor, who is but a plaything in his 


COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 139 

hands, he saunters over to the shooting-gallery to 
try his hand. 

One would think his nerves might not be as steady 
as could be desired after his hot engagement with 
the foils, and Mr. Grimes feels an admiration for the 
man coupled with his aversion, when he sees him 
send shot after shot with astonishing accuracy, the 
various swinging targets being struck almost with 
every discharge of the revolver. 

“ A dangerous combination of a man to be at large, 
capable of doing a tremendous amount of mischief 
in the world, and the sooner he turns up his toes 
under the sod the better for humanity ” is the mental 
comment of Mr. Grimes. 

He meets the baron at the bar of the gallery, in 
a friendly spirit, and wishing to see more of his 
pistol practice soon banters him into a little wager. 
Mr. Grimes has always prided himself on his marks- 
manship, but he has a poor show beside this man of 
the quick eye and steady hand. 

His main object is to discover whether the baron 
has any weak point about his marksmanship, so that 
he can turn it to good account. Even in this a fair 
measure of success falls to his share, enough to pay 
him from his trouble. At fifteen and twenty-five 
paces the Russian duelist is almost a dead shot, but 
strange to say the American beats him at twenty 
paces. It would be hard to understand just why 
this is so, and to make sure of it Mr. Grimes is not 
content with the one trial but goes through it all 
again. 

The result is the same. 

That settles it. If there is to be an exchange of 


140 


MYNHEER JOE. 


shots between the rivals, it must be at twenty paces. 
He feels that he is doing only what is right in learn- 
ing these facts. Doubtless this man without a con- 
science has in times past spitted more than one 
unlucky devil on his sword, who proved to be a 
boor at the duello^ and against whom he had a 
grudge. He deserves neither sympathy nor pity, 
and such a man asks nothing of the world. 

Perhaps the baron has already sized up the other 
and remembers that he saw him with the man he 
plots to destroy. That does not appear to disturb 
him very much ; indeed, he may even take a savage 
satisfaction in showing the American how he will 
make crow’s meat of his friend when the time 
comes. 

Mr. Grimes has seen enough. 

At his first opportunity he must warn Joe, so that 
the other may not stumble into the pit which the 
baron would dig for him, at least without a knowl- 
edge of the consequences. 

After leaving the gymnasium where the stalwart 
British officers spend an hour or so every day, he 
looks around for the explorer, but can see nothing 
of him. Molly and her distinguished father are also 
among the missing. Presently he runs across some 
one he knows. 

“ Ah ! there, Sandy, my boy, where away ?” he calls 
out, whereat the bustling little correspondent 
brought in a heap consents to halt briefly. 

“ Off to wire for a passage on the bi-monthly 
steamer for India. Touches at Alexandria, you 
know, and then direct to Port Said for the Canal.” 

When is it due ?” 


COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 141 


“The Alhambra arrives on Saturday.” 

“ Secure passage for me, but hold on ; perhaps 
you ’d better wait and see. I understand Tanner 
and his daughter, together with Mynheer Joe, are 
heading in that direction. If we all go on one 
steamer, it will make a jolly party.” 

Sandy strikes an attitude. 

“ Bless you, that’s a fact. 1 ’ll wait until we have 
a little consultation, and abide by the result. By 
the way the baron goes on her.” 

“ I supposed as much. How did you find that 
out, Sandy, my boy ?” queries the other. 

“ I heard him give orders this morning. Several 
parties accompany him.” 

“ Who took the order?” 

The fellow looking like a Hindoo.” 

Mr. Grimes smiles. 

I wish you had noticed that fellow closely,” 
Sandy,” he remarks, quietly. 

“ Well, now, that ’s just what I did. You see he 
had a lordly air yesterday, as though he owned 
the whole of Egypt, while this morning he limped 
painfully, had a bruise on his forehead, and his left 
arm was tied up in a great ball of cotton, while his 
face had a look as though intense pain and devilish 
fury were fighting for the mastery.” 

At this Mr. Grimes no longer smiles. He chuck- 
les. 

“ Something has evidently befallen the rascally 
Brahmin since night closed in. What did you con- 
clude was the matter?” he asks. 

“ Well, 1 thought the fellow had evidently been 
barking up the wrong tree,” says Sandy, solemnly. 


142 


MYNHEER JOE. 


This time Grimes laughs aloud. 

“ Good guess, my boy. He owes the goose-egg 
on his forehead, the halt in Ids gait and the bandaged 
arm to someone we know.” 

“ Ten to one it was that Mynheer Joe !” exclaimed 
the correspondent, quickly. 

“ Go up head, young man. You are an ornament 
to the guessing class. Sure enough, it ‘was our 
Joseph who handled the Thug without gloves. The 
beast was on a mission for his master, and was 
thrown through the window by the messenger from 
Khartoom.” 

Of course Sandy pricks his ears up at this chance 
for a sensation, and plies the other with questions, 
which Mr. Grimes answers to the best of his ability. 
The story is soon told, and followed by what he has, 
this morning, seen the baron do — exercise his skill 
with sword and revolver, as though there is work 
ahead. 

“ As sure as you live, it ’s going to be nip and 
tuck between those two yet. 1 ’m ready to bet on 
Joe ; but I admit the case is awfully doubtful, with 
that human devil against him. Still Joe’s star of 
luck has never yet deserted him. He ’s the only 
foreigner to come out of Khartoom alive. Let us 
hope and pray he will finally outwit that baron and 
carry off the prize.” 

Sandy has never been more earnest in all his life, 
and if something would only come up whereby he 
could show his friendship, he stands ready to chip 
in, no matter what the cost. 

Thus Joe’s friends talk over matters and endeavor 
to discover some way whereby the explorer can be 


COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 143 


benefited. They feel sure the baron has made up 
his mind to push matters to the wall, and that he 
will not hesitate about the means he eniploys. 

If Joe is challenged, of course, he may have the 
choice of weapons, time and place. He can, there- 
fore, make the best of the bargain. The one thing 
they fear is that the baron may arrange it so that 
the insult comes from him. Well, if so, Joe will 
probably avenge it on the spot and not dream of 
sending in a challenge. 

Thus they draw consolation from the situation 
and hope for the best. 

Where can Joe have taken himself to ? They fail 
to find anything of him, nor do they see Tanner and 
his daughter. This delay is not to Sandy’s liking, 
as he is anxious to send a telegram to the city on the 
Mediterranean, engaging, his passage for India, and 
frets under the lapse of time. 

The morning has gone and the afternoon with it. 

It is evening when the two friends run across 
Tanner in the hotel — Tanner, who greets them in 
his usual boisterous manner, as he does all his 
friends. 

Sandy sees his opportunity and makes the best 
possible use of it. He asks the orator his intentions 
about travel, and hints at how nice it would be if all 
of them could go on the same steamer to India, 
which proposition quite takes the other by storm. 

Making inquiries as to date of sailing and a few 
other things. Tanner figures on his own plans, and 
then announces that Sandy may include himself and 
daughter in the party. 

“ How about Mynheer Joe?” 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Ui 


“You’ll have to see him personally,” returns the 
orator, with a sly twinkle in his eyes, as though he 
can make a pretty good guess that the party men- 
tioned will not be far away when they leave Alex- 
andria. ^ 

“ Where may he be found?” asks Sandy. 

“Think 1 know. You see a party of English 
officers and leading men were bound to fete the 
brave boy who came from Khartoom with the last 
news of poor Gordon. They took him over to the' 
barracks, where a spread had been ordered. I was 
pressed to go, but Molly would be waiting for meat 
the hotel here, and as I am a dutiful parent and 
never disappoint her, 1 gave up the idea.” 

Sandy has a cloud on his brow. 

“ How long ago since the party went in.?” 

“ More than half an hour, I reckon,” replies Tan- 
ner, consulting his time-piece. 

“ They must have reached the wine and cigars.” 

’“Very probably.” 

“ Mr. Tanner, was the baron present ?” 

“Certainly. That man is everywhere!” It is 
evident that he does not bear malice against the 
baron, or at least fails to show it. 

Sandy and Mr. Grimes exchange glances. 

“ It will be done there ?” says the latter. 

‘ “ No doubt of it, sir,” replies the correspondent. 

“What’s all this about?” asks Tanner, noticing 
their peculiar nods and glances. 

“ We’re off to see if Joe goes with us or stays in 
Cairo.” 

And with the words the two friends leave Tanner, 
heading for the barracks. 


COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BEFORE. 


115 - 


As they reached the door of this institution, loud 
voices are heard, excitement seems to reign, and the 
colonel can be heard exclaiming : 

“ Gentlemen, remember you are under a military 
roof! Reserve all demonstrations until we sepa- 
rate I” 



CHAPTER XII. 


“WITH SWORDS— AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE!” 

The words are deeply significant and Sandy 
clutches his companion’s arm ; the look exchanged 
between the two denotes that they understand the 
true inwardness of this affair ; it hardly needs the 
glance they take into the mess-room to corroborate 
their suspicions. 

It is a scene they will never forget as long as they 
live. A dozen or more officers and gentlemen have 
been at the table; the cloth is removed and cigars 
with wine served. At one side of the colonel stands 
Mynheer Joe, the hero of Khartoom ; he holds an 
empty wine-glass in his hand, while upon his face 
can be seen a contemptuous look. His eyes are 
bent across the table. 

Nearly opposite to him is the baron. With a 
snowy handkerchief he wipes the wine from his 
face; it has also discolored his shirt-front where 
blazes a wonderful diamond, worth a small fortune. 

Sandy observes his face and discovers hardly a 
trace of anger there ; indeed, from the sardonic 
[146] 


“with swords AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE !’’ 147 

smile, one would imagine that this incident is just 
what the Russian duelist has played for. 

Returning the soiled kerchief to his pocket, he 
coolly tosses his card across the table in the direc- 
tion of Mynheer Joe. 

“ You will speedily hear from me, sir,” he says, 
with cutting emphasis. 

“ The sooner the better, baron ! Remember, I 
leave on Saturday’s steamer,” returns the Ameri- 
can, while the officers look astounded; for, brave 
men though they are, there is not one among them 
who would care to be in Joe’s shoes. 

The Russian bows and leaves the room : he can 
no longer remain at the table with the man who has 
thus publicly insulted him, and as Mynheer Joe is 
the guest of the occasion, it becomes his duty to 
depart from the mess-table. 

Sandy is joined by one of the officers, a fine young 
fellow, who has taken quite a fancy to the war cor- 
respondent. The latter declares it will be his 
pleasant duty to see Lieutenant Hans Fletcher 
become a general some day. He has the greatest 
faith in his dashing qualities. 

“Tell us, how did this ugly affair come about ?” 
he asks, eagerly, for those at the mess-table appear 
to have forgotten it in listening to Joe’s glowing 
story of Gordon’s death. 

“Willingly — what little I know,” replies the Brit- 
ish officer. “ I was at the other end of the table and 
failed to distinctly catch the full meaning of the 
baron’s insult.” 

“ Then he brought it on purposely, as 1 supposed.” 


148 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ We suspect as much, though his reason is no 
plain. Perhaps you gentlemen know it.’' 

“ The same old story — rivals in love.” 

“ Ah ! That’s the truth of it, eh ?” 

“ Was the baron’s remark about Miss Tanner?” 

“ I am glad to say it was not. From the little 1 
heard, I believe it concerned Mynheer Joe’s country 
— some insulting allusion to the flag that covers our 
cousins across the water.” 

“ Good ! And Joe resented it, as any true Ameri- 
can would, no matter if his death was a foregone 
conclusion,” says Sandy, hotly. 

“But, you see, it ’s a serious thing to bring on a 
row at the colonel’s mess-table.” 

“ And a still more serious thing to be publicly 
insulted there. The colonel should have seen to it 
that only gentlemen were invited and not the mis- 
erable hound who thinks his title of baron can cover 
up all his iniquities.” 

The lieutenant glances rather nervously around, 
hoping no friend of the baron will overhear what is 
being said by the fiery little correspondent, or there 
may be a double duel on the tapis. 

“ Honestly, now, lieutenant, if you had been at the 
mess-table of a German regiment, an invited and 
honored guest, and this man should say exactly the 
same against your flag that he did against oiu* stars 
and stripes, what would have been your action?” 
pursues Sandy. 

The officer bites his military mustache. 

“ Really, my dear fellow, you have me. There 
would be but one course for me to pursue, and that 


WITH SWORDS — A.N HOUR AFTER SUNRISE !” 


149 


to cast his slur in his teeth, as a brave man like 
Mynheer Joe has done.” 

“ Exactly ! I knew it ! Then blame him no 
more, but rather honor his daring. When this cur 
had given the insult — what then?” 

“ Every eye was turned on Mynheer Joe, for we 
all understood what was meant. I saw him shut 
his teeth hard, but only a slight frown passed over 
his bronzed face. Leaning over the table, he looked 
the baron full in the eye and said calmly : ‘ 1 return 
the compliment, baron. That flag could never wave 
over the land that harbors a Siberia !’ And quick 
as a flash he emptied his wine-glass full into the 
other’s face.” 

Sandy’s face glows with enthusiasm. He is 
proud of his countryman. A few more such men 
as Mynheer Joe scattered about the world would 
cause a greater respect for the stars and stripes 
among the nations of Europe. 

He looks at the explorer, and does not see that 
Joe is impressed with the danger into which Jie has 
been thus drawn by circumstances. 

“ 1 have great confidence in his ability, and his 
lucky star seems in the ascendant,” he remarks, at 
which the officer says in a low tone : 

“ Privately, between us, Sandy, I earnestly hope 
he will do the baron. Besides the regard we feel 
for him as a cousin from across the water and the 
man who avenged Gordon, you understand that we 
have no love for the Russian, whose mission to 
India we cansuspect.” 

“Yes, and it’s my private opinion that when he 


150 


MYNHEER JOE. 


runs up against Joe he ’ll wish he had taken some 
other course.” 

It is a good thing to have a sanguine friend, but 
Sandy does not deceive himself. He knows what 
the other has to face as well as Mr. Grimes, who 
watched the baron wield a sword and shot with him 
at a target. 

Mynheer Joe presently excuses himself from the 
company. They understand his going, and do not 
wonder at it. Any man who may be called upon at 
sunrise to face the Russian duelist would be a 
fool to stupefy his senses by lingering at a banquet- 
table. 

He is immediately joined by Sandy pseudo 

silver king, and the three walk out under the stars 
to talk. Joe is soon informed with regard to all 
that Mr. Grimes has learned. 

The three presently bring up at the gymnasium, 
for it is the wish of the latter gentleman that the 
explorer shall show what he can do, so a comparison 
may be drawn and a decision rendered as to what 
Joe’s course must be when he receives the challenge 
expected. 

A very few persons are present. Mr. Grimes 
speaks to the man in charge, and they are made wel- 
come as friends of the officers. The same professor 
with whom the baron played is present, and with 
pleasure he agrees to fence with the American, no 
doubt believing he will have a chance to recover 
his prestige, lost in the bout with the baron that 
day. 

When Mynheer Joe takes off his coat and vest 
and puts a belt around his waist, he is ready for the 


“with swords AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE !” 151 

affair. Upon his feet he has drawn a pair of rubber 
foot-holds that will keep him from slipping. 

He bares his right arm, and Sandy sees the pro- 
fessor glance at his suberb biceps as though pleased. 
Then the man of foils takes his wrist and feels it. 

“ A wonderful arm, monsieur^' he says, with kind- 
ling eyes. “ With practice you would be a'magnifi- 
cent swordsman.” 

“ So old Duval used to tell me,” replies Joe. 

“Ah, Sucre! You take lessons from him, ze 
greatest master in Paris. Perhaps I shall not be 
able to have ze revenge after all.” 

Meanwhile Joe rolls up his left shirt sleeve in the 
same way, an action the professor regards with 
concern, but which Mr. Grimes takes to mean what 
he has fondly hoped. 

“ Ready, professor ?” 

The foils click and begin to writhe like snakes, 
passing in an out with the rapidity of thought. 
Sandy and Mr. Grimes stand near by. They have a 
deeper interest in this engagement than appears on 
the surface. 

After looking on for a minute Mr. Grimes heaves 
a sigh of relief. 

“ He’ll do, Sandy. I ’ll stake my all on him even 
against the Russian. Watch that magnificent play 
of the wrist. Heavens ! 1 ’ve seen a man wield a 

sword before, but never like that. Hark ! What 
does he say — that he finds himself rusty and slug- 
gish. Deuce take it, what can he do when in trim, 
then? Note the poor professor. He actually looks 
scared. His revenge doesn’t pan out very well. 


152 


MYNHEER JOE. 


does it ? I think I ’ll have to give him a turn myself 
to make him feel good.” 

Thus the usually taciturn Mr. Grimes rattles on, 
while Sandy can hardly keep quiet. 

Jove! He tosses his weapon into his left hand. 
Again he is at the professor like a tiger. The poor 
devil has had the button against his heart a 
dozen times. What d’ ye think of that left-handed 
play, old fellow ?” laughs Sandy. 

His companion squeezes his hand, for once show- 
ing excitement. 

“ I feel as jolly as if an old uncle had died 
and left me his fortune. The baron will meet his 
match. It will be a royal battle. No danger of our 
Joe getting hurt. Yes, no matter how well he uses 
the firearms, 1 shall recommend swords. The 
other way both may be killed ; here, wounds 
are more possible. Swords are gentlemen’s weap- 
ons truly. Look 1 He hunts the professor — he has 
him utterly demoralized — he throws down his 
foil and hold up his hand ! Enough, gentlemen !” 

It is as Mr. Grimes has said. The Frenchman has 
been rattled until he can no longer use his weapon. 
He laughs good-naturedly. 

“ Monsieur must have his little joke. He is rusty 
this night. What of me he exclaims, shaking 
Joe’s hand. 

They chat for a short time, anecdotes of the fam- 
ous sword-master of the Rue de Sevres beins: in 
order. Then they sauntered over to the shoot- 
ing-gallery, while Mynheer Joe does some good 
work. Although he knows how to handle a revolver 
in a way few men can equal, Mr. Grimes does not 


“with swords— an hodr after sunrise!” 153 

change his mind. With the sword Joe is absolutel}^ 
safe, and as much can never be said concerning pis- 
tols. 

He is pleased to note, however, that at twenty 
paces Joe is at his best, though inferior to the baron 
on either side of this figure. 

Then Mr. Grimes meets the professor, who has 
as much fun with him as he afforded Joe. The 
stout, red-faced traveller is not built for a swords- 
man, and soon tires of being driven into a corner 
like a rat at bay ; but he has put the professor into 
a good humor. 

The three friends pass out into (benight and head 
toward Shepherd’s close by. Again is the grand 
square illuminated- and the clattering of many 
tongues heard. It is about the same, day and night, 
here, at times more noisy than at others, but only 
comparatively quiet from midnight until morning, 
which period the countless curs of the city select for 
their serenade, baying the moon, if there be one, 
snarling and fighting in the public square and car- 
rying on like a pack of hyenas let loose. 

As they enter the hotel, a pair of eyes fasten upon 
them, and a man starts forward. Mynheer Joe rec- 
ognizes a French officer. It is the same whom Mr. 
Grimes watched in conversation with the baron the 
morning before. He holds something in his hand 
— a letter, judging from its appearance. 

“ Now we have it,” mutters Sandy, as he and Mr. 
Grimes purposely fall back a pace. 

The courteous French officer bows. 

Par do7i ! Am I addressing Monsieur Miner?” 

“That is my name, sir,” replies Joe, calmly. 


154 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ I have something for you, monsieur'' 

“ Thanks.” 

He tears it open, glances at it, smiles in a careless 
way, and passes it to Mr. Grimes. 

“You are Captain Faitoute, I presume ?” 

“ Oui, monsieur^ at your service,” bowing. 

“ Captain Faitoute, my friend Colonel Grimes. 
He will second me. All arrangements made with 
him will stand. Good evening,” and Mynheer Joe 
walks complacently away, followed by an admiring 
glance from the Frenchman, who, under his breath, 
mutters : 

Par bleu! A brave man, deserving of a better 
fate than a dog’s death at his hands; but it is the 
decree of fortune,” shrugging his shoulders. 

He and “ Colonel ” Grimes walk aside to make all 
necessary arrangements. This is the first time the 
American has been a second in a duel, but he has a 
pretty fair idea as to what his duties are, and always 
carries a clear head upon his shoulders. 

The arrangements are soon made. Joe, as the 
challenged party, has the choice of weapons, time 
and place. Swords are selected, and the officer 
promises to have a pair on the ground so exactly 
alike, that Joe shall pick his own first. 

It is also arranged that tlie meeting occur on the 
Mokkatam Hills above Cairo, an hour after sunrise 
on the following morning. Noticing the French- 
man’s look of wonder at such haste, “ Colonel ” 
Grimes adds quietly : 

“ My principal sails for India on Saturday, and 
cannotdelay for any little by-play such as this. To- 
morrow it must be.” 


‘‘with swords AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE 


155 


“Advise him not to be too hasty in ordering his 
state-room, colonel. There’s many a slip betwixt 
the cup and the lip,” says the Frenchman with sig- 
nificant meaning 

“ Don't worry about Mynheer Joe. I know he is 
able to hoe his own row. Monsieur le Captaine, We 
meet then at daybreak on the Delhi wharf.” 

“ Yes — the boats will be in readiness — 1 shall have 
two, because my principal may have scruples about 
returning alongside his victim.” 

Mr. Grimes laughs quietly at this thrust. He 
imagines there may be a surprise in store for Cap- 
tajn Faitoute as well as the baron, and the pseudo 
silver king is a firm believer in the old maxim that 
he laughs loudest who laughs last. 

So he bids the Frenchman bon soir and resumes his 
talk with Sandy, while Faitoute walks out of the 
hotel, looking back at the red-faced American, 
whose eccentricities, no doubt, have made him 
believe the other a bizarre specimen. 

So it is all arranged. 

Each principal is to have a second and an addi- 
tional friend. The Frenchman has suggested bring- 
ing a doctor, at which Grimes smiles. 

“We expect to have no need of one; but who 
knows? My principal would not like to liave a 
human life on his hands, especially a white man’s. 
Yes, bring your doctor along, with plenty of lint 
and bandages, for sword-wounds are sometimes 
ugly things.” 

In this way, he declares, he gave the other a 
Roland for an Oliver, and broke even. Sandy takes 
it all in eagerly. As a newspaper man, he has seen 


156 


MYNHEER JOE. 


many strange sights, but yet has never had the luck 
to be present at a duel. The nearest he came to it 
was when he endeavored to see the Bennett-May 
affair across the water, and arrived on the duelling- 
ground just in time to see the carriages drive hastily 
away. It begins to look as though he may now 
have the desired opportunity, and he means to make 
the most of it, as such affairs are not an everyday 
occurrence in these degenerate times. 

Mr. Grimes, having been made a master of cere- 
monies, has a weight of responsibility resting on his 
shoulders ; but he knows the best he can do at 
present is to see that Joe gets a decent night’s sleep 
and is up betimes. 

The pseudo silver king has a watch of peculiar 
make, with an alarm that can be set for any time, 
just like a clock. Placed under his pillow, it will 
make noise enough at the designated hour to arouse 
a light sleeper such as himself. He has depended 
on it many a time and not been disappointed. 

Mynheer Joe has found Molly in the hotel parlors, 
and seems to be well content to pass the balance of 
the evening in her company, drinking the intoxicat- 
ing cup of love from her clear gray eyes. 

Mr. Grimes leaves him alone. This will not make 
his arm nervous in the morning or his eye 
unsteady. Better to be in her company listening to 
her songs than drinking with convivial companions, 
as the baron is doing at this same hour, playing bac- 
carat. 

The news has gone abroad — strange how such 
things do travel, as might the mist that comes 
silently in from the sea and spreads over the land like 


“ WITH SWORDS — AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE !” 157 

magic. People pretty generally know that the 
insult has been passed between the Russian baron 
and the American traveller who . was with Gordon 
in the Soudan. Knowing also the reputation one of 
these men has as a duelist, it is set down as certain 
that a meeting must take place soon. 

Hence, Mynheer Joe finds himself the cynosure for 
many eyes, and he is annoyed at the interest people 
seem to take in him, but that is the fate of any one 
whom fortune destines to move on a higher plane 
than his fellows, and he must get used to it. 

Molly, on her part, believing this attention is 
caused simply because the people have learned that 
he is the sole survivor of the massacre at Khar- 
toom, is proud of the fact that he is her Iriend — 
pleased to think he is an American, and thinks more 
of him than ever. 

He gives no hint of what is to come off in the 
morning, for it is not his way to boast, and he can 
keep a secret. Indeed, to see how merry he appears 
no one would think he has anything on his mind. 
Those who are in the secret are amazed, and not a 
few make up their minds that the whole report may 
be a canard, for they cannot imagine a man who 
expects to meet the Russian baron at sunrise could 
be so cool about it. 

The evening passes, and finally Mynheer Joe bids 
the ladies good night. Mr. Grimes sees that he 
retires to his room to get a few hours sleep. At the 
proper time Grimes is up and arouses both Myn- 
heer Joe and Sand3^ 

Together they quietly repair to the dining-room 
of the hotel. A cook has been bribed to be up and 


158 


MYNHEER JOE. 


hands them each a cup of fine coffee, than which 
no better can be had in the world than right there at 
Shepherd’s in Cairo. 

This opens their eyes and makes them feel as 
though they have a warmth next their heart. Out- 
side the poor moon hangs up in the sky, but her pale 
light already gives way to the coming of early 
morning. Soon the gathering hosts of light will 
rush up from their stronghold below the eastern 
horizon, when the rout of the night-king will be 
complete. 

Just about this hour, Molly Tanner, dressed in a 
white wrapper and with her hair showering down 
her back, enters her father’s room by means of the 
connecting door. 

“Who’s that?” asks Tanner, sitting upright, his 
night-cap hanging over his ear. 

“ Only Molly, father,” comes the repI 3 ^ 

“ What the dickens are you wandering around 
for? Go back to your bed, child,” he says softly, 
for his love toward his daughter is very great. , 

“ It is early morning. You can hear the birds 
twittering out in tlie trees. I was awake, and, 
catching voices, went to the window. Below 1 saw 
three men move toward the river. 1 am almost 
positive 1 recognized one of their voices. 

“ VVell,” grunts the orator, getting ready to 
resume his nap, “ what of that, Molly ?” 

“ But it was Mynheer Joe.” 

“ Eh ?” 

“ And I heard one of the others — I am sure it 
must have been Mr. Grimes — say : ‘ 1 will examine 
the swords. He shall have no advantage.’ ” 


WITH SWORDS — AN HOUR AFTER SUNRISE !” 


159 


Tanner grunts again. 

“Then the report was true.” 

“ What report, governor?” 

“ Never mind, child. It doesn’t concern you. Go 
back and get your beauty nap,” he growls. 

“Not until you tell me what this means. Three 
men leave the hotel at daybreak. They talk about 
swords. What is about to happen ?” ‘ 

“ Bah ! Some officers on a lark, perhaps.” 

“ You know better, governor. You betrayed 
yourself when you said the report was true. What 
report? It concerns Mynheer Joe. 1 remember 
now how strangely they looked at him last night.” 

“ Confound it, child, you are a little tyrant and I 
a bulldozed old man ! Listen, then. It was 
reported that Mynheer Joe and the baron were to 
fight a duel about sunrise this morning.” 

Molly covers her face with her hands and utters a 
low cry. Then she eagerly questions Tanner and 
learns all that he knows, until at last he stubbornly 
drops back on his pillow and feigns sleep ; so there 
is nothing for the wretched girl to do but to return 
to her room, and, sitting there, await the rising of 
the sun, with a dumb feeling of pain at her heart. 




CHAPTER XIII. 

THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 

When Mynheer Joe and his two friends, liaving 
secured a cup of coffee and a bite of breakfast at the 
hotel, pass down toward the river, the very first 
gleam of daylight is abroad, though as yet kept in 
the background by the moon, which shines on the 
land of the Pharaohs with a peculiarly dull radiance, 
unlike the flood of light poured upon the earth when 
the Queen of Night is at her full. 

Knowing the way, they experience no trouble in 
reaching the point where they have been informed 
the two boats will be in readiness. This time there 
is no attempt made to rob them. Perhaps the ras- 
cally Arabs who prowl about the narrow streets 
during the night looking for victims have retired, 
like beasts of prey, to their various dens at the ap- 
proach of dawn. At any rate, the three men meet 
with no adventure as they advance to the Nile. 

“ Here we are,” says Sandy, when they bring up 
at the designated spot. 

Sure enough, two boats are seen upon the water, 
both of a trim model. V oices can be heard, as thouerh 
[i6o] 


MYNHEER JOE HOLDS AN EMPTY WINE-GLASS — See Chapter XII 










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THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 


161 


the sailors are on deck, and all is in readiness for 
casting- off. 

Sandy takes one look into the face of Mynheer Joe 
as they come upon the boats. It is enough to reassure 
him, for the man does not show the least emotion. 
If he were made of ice Mynheer Joe could not take 
the situation in a cooler manner than he does. This 
satisfied the newspaper man that the Russian duel- 
ist is about to be surprised. He may have had 
plain sailing in past'affairs of the kind, but when he 
ran across Mynheer Joe he certainly struck a snag, 
that now gives promise of wrecking his bark. 

Mr. Grimes hails, and a voice answers — the voice 
of the French officer who met him as the baron’s 
representative. They are to take the dahabeah 
nearer the shore. The others have just arrived, and 
if all their party can be counted, there is nothing to 
be done but to push off and get up sail. 

“ Captain, one question,” says Mr. Grimes. 

“ At your service,” replies the polite Gaul, whom 
they can just indistinctly see standing on the roof of 
the second cabin in a brave attitude, such as French 
officers delight to assume, although those of other 
nations are not far behind them in this respect. 

“ You spoke of a doctor — the family doctor of the 
baron, who understands his constitution and knows 
how to treat him. Pardon me, but is he on board 
with you ?” 

Silence follows this cool question, as though the 
Frenchman has been staggered by it ; then, in his 
courteous way — he would be polite even if thrusting 
his sword through an enemy — the officer of the 
Khedive replies : 


162 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ He is with us, sir.” 

“ Good. Then we consent to start,” says Grimes, 
conscious that the baron’s ears have caught all that 
has been uttered, and willing to let him know that 
there is no such thing as scare ” in their party. 

No more is said. 

Orders are given and the two Nile-river boats 
gotten under way with the rapidity that distin- 
guishes the peculiar model common to this coun- 
try. Mynheer Joe clasps the hand of his second 
and gives it a squeeze. 

“ Thanks, my good friend. That dig is worth 
something to me, you understand,” he says in his 
quiet but earnest way. 

“ Of course, sir. You know, my interests are 
bound up in yours. I am determined that this story 
shall end in the proper way, and it can hardly do 
that if the baron spits you on his sword like a 
fowl before the fire. I have confidence in you. Myn- 
heer Joe,” replied Mr. Grimes. 

No more is said just now, for the boat is being got- 
ten under way. The breeze chances to be favorable, 
and there is more of it than usual at this time in the 
morning. It comes from a quarter not far removed 
from northeast, and the three-cornered sails of the 
dahabeah are peculiarly fitted to catch a quartering 
current of air. 

Both boats are speedily rushing through the 
water at a lively rate. The situation is rather 
romantic, with the moon nearly overhead, day 
beginning to break in the east, and the great sails 
of the rival boats catching the fresh breeze that has 


THE MISSION OF THE D AH ABE AH. 


163 


worked in across the intervening delta of the Nile, 
from the Mediterranean. 

Was ever a duel fought under similar circum- 
stances as those which promise to mark this one? 
Probably not. 

The two boats seem to be about equal in point of 
speed, as they continue to keep the same relative 
distance apart. Perhaps, in a genuine race, with a 
wind like this, their craft could gain the advantage 
by “ blanketing” the other and cutting off her sup- 
ply of wind, but this will not pay under present 
conditions. 

Although Joe has made the conditions of the 
duel, being the challenged party, he really leaves 
the selection of the ground to his rival, having only 
stipulated that it shall be among the hills that lie 
above Cairo. 

Sandy and Mr. Grimes stand together near the 
bow of the little vessel, listening to the music of 
the water as her prow cuts through the tide of the 
Nile like a knife, curling the foamy suds on either 
side and hurling them back in rolls. 

Both of them are duly impressed with all their 
romantic surroundings, and the war correspondent 
is jotting down ideas in his mind that will be called 
upon to supply space in some forthcoming article. 
At the same time it is evident he has something 
worrying him. 

Mr. Grimes is quick to notice such things, as he 
has made a business of reading faces. 

“ What ’s wrong, Sandy ?” he asks, abruptly, as 
he removes his cigar to ffip the ashes from the end 
with his dexterous little finger. 


164 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“Who said so? How did you know? Hang it, 
Mr. Grimes, you read men as I would books. You 
may have buried yourself out in Colorado — you 
took good care to study human nature.” 

“Then you confess you are bothered, my boy?” 
continued the other, steadily. 

“ Well, yes, I’ve been wondering. You see we 
know this baron is a sly schemer?” 

“ Admitted.” 

“ And not to be trusted out of sight.” 

“ Ordinarily I should not dare to put my life in 
his charge. You ’re right, Sandy.” 

“ Well, we ’ve let him select the spot for the affair. 
How can we tell but what he may spring some 
shrewd game on us. Can you promise that yonder 
dahabeah has not half a dozen hired assassins on 
board, ready to annihilate us in case the baron feels 
the necessity ?” 

Mr. Grimes laughs, and there is a reassurance in 
his manner that speaks for itself. 

“ Sand}^, give over worrying. I believe the 
strongest proof we can have that the baron means 
no treachery is his astounding confidence in himself. 
He has fought duels before and believes himself 
invincible. Hence it seems a picnic, a walk-over to 
him.” 

“ Very true, very true, sir, but you must admit 
there is a chance that — ” 

“ Always ‘ that,’ my boy, but you also forget 
something of interest — ourselves! ‘ What are we 
here for?’ as a member from the South asked in a 
republican convention ? If Joe can take care of the 


THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 


165 


baron, surely we will be able to look after his friends 
be they two in number or a dozen.” 

“ Well spoken, Mr. Grimes. My mind is already 
clear on that point. 1 believe we will come out of 
this thing with flying colors. My trouble has van- 
ished even as the smoke of this cigar fades into 
space.” 

Sandy is himself again, and that means a cheery 
friend, a faithful comrade, one whom Mynheer Joe 
could not better were he to search the globe over. 

As the daylight grows stronger the moon wanes 
in power ; it is no longer a strife between the two 
as to which must win, for Luna is already out of the 
battle. 

Cairo is left far behind upon the east bank and, 
looking back, they can see the first shafts of sunlight 
glinting from her numerous domes, although the 
mighty god of day has not yet shown his smiling 
face to those upon the river Nile. 

It is a strange spectacle, aud one that appeals to 
the artistic in their natures, but all of them are very 
familiar with the scene, so that the desert, the pyra- 
mids, the cit}'' of the four hundred mosques, its 
queer people and the storied Nile itself — all these 
things do not appear so strange to their eyes as 
would be the case were they newcomers to the land 
of Egypt. 

Besides, their mission is of such a nature that 
their thoughts are bound to stray to it from time to 
time— when men are bent on an errand of a deadly 
character they are not expected to laugh and joke 
as if going to a wedding. 

“ Come back to the cabin, Sandy. I think we 


166 


MYNHEER JOE. 


would be wise to examine our firearms. Nothing 
like making sure that everything is in working 
order. These hyenas and jackals of the desert 
strike with amazing quickness when they do show 
up. Come !” 

His words are significant, and his companion has 
no difficulty in understanding. Together they pass 
the sailors squatted about on the forward deck, 
after their usual manner when not at work. These 
fellows are Arabs, and not the best-looking, chaps 
Mr. Grimes has set eyes on. He gives Sandy a 
nudge, but this wide-awake newspaper man has 
already noted the fact. 

“ Fine collection of buzzards, eh ? Must say the 
captain has looked far and wide to find a game set. 
They’d fight too, I reckon,” he whispers. 

They find Mynheer Joe lying upon the roof of 
the cabin, a pillow under his head, which the cap- 
tain of the boat has brought out, and, to all appear- 
ances, enjoying his cigar. 

Together they enter the cabin. Upon the table 
is seen a quaint flagon and a glass. Mynheer Joe 
moves toward it, but he finds the hand of Mr. 
Grimes before him. 

Not allowed, my friend. Heaven knows what 
sort of drug there might be in this. If you must 
steady your nerves — ” And he produces a small 
flask from one of his pockets. But Joe shakes his 
head. 

“That isn’t in my line, sir, though I thank you all 
the same. I ’ve seldom found a time when my 
nerves needed strengthening by such artificial 
means, though I confess that my life was once saved 


! 


THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 167 

by a small amount of liquor. The fellow drank it 
I who was left to execute me, and got into such a 
maudlin condition that I easily overpowered him 
and made my escape. Except as medicine I have 
no use for the stuff." 

“ Well, my nerves need a little tonic, and I know 
of no better. Sandy, how is it?” 

And as the little war correspondent wipes his 
mouth with his handkerchief he murmurs : - 

“ Prime, my lord." 

A minute later, all of them are busily engaged in 
examining their revolvers, which are found to be in 
good condition. 

“Take charge of mine, Mr. Grimes,’’ remarks Joe, 
who, of course, cannot be thus burdened when about 
to enter upon an engagement that will require all 
his agility. 

“ With pleasure, sir, and should the occasion arise 
for using it, I trust you will find that 1 can make 
each shot count almost as well as yourself. By the 
way, Joe, you didn’t forget to bring the rubber foot- 
holds I borrowed from the professor ?” 

“Neyerfear; I have them. The baron will not 
get his work in through a slip on my part, if 1 can 
help it," returns Joe, touching a pocket of his 
blouse, where a small package of some sort is hid- 
den. ^ 

Presently they pass outside again, to find that the 
sun has arisen and a new day begun. They keep a 
short distance from the shore in order to catch the 
full benefit of the breeze, butjevery palm stands out 
in bold relief. 

The scene is such as can be gazed upon any day 


168 


MYNHEER JOE. 


along the lower Nile, and yet one never tires of look- 
ing upon it. Numerous sails dot the broad river, 
some beating down, while many fly before the 
breeze. A string of camels forming a caravan can 
be noticed above the bank, doubtless bound for the 
far-off cities, between which and Cairo quite a trade 
is carried on in this way. 

Here some travellers on donkeys can be seen, 
making an early start, for the pyramids. Now and 
then slaves are discovered at work with the poles 
and buckets known as a shedoof, and which primitive 
method of engineering in the way of lifting water 
from a lower to a higher level is still practiced in the 
land where they carry on agriculture just as their 
forefathers did two thousand years back. 

An occasional windmill is seen where some house 
nestles on the bank, but this is generally the prop- 
erty of foreigners. Upon the river freight cangias 
are met with, heading to or from Cairo. Those boats 
which have the fair wind are supposed to keep out 
of the way of others, but the reism command of their 
craft seems to be in sorhething of a dare-devil spirit 
this morning. He swings the dahabeah in so close 
to one of the heavier craft that he comes within an 
ace of having the sandal trailing behind sunk. 

The sun is now almost half an hour high. When 
will the boats come to land? Surely there is no 
need of travelling a great distance from old Cairo in 
order to discover a good dueling ground. 

Perhaps the baron has a particular spot in view. 
He may even have been a principal in some affair of 
honor that has culminated in a meeting up the Nile, 


THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 


169 


and his success at that time inspires him to select 
the same rendezvous again. 

Our friends show no impatience, whatever they 
may feel. Sandy, looking ahead, directs the atten- 
tion of his comrades to a point. 

“ Like as not we 're aiming for that. I can see 
rows of tombs in the rocks back of it. Such a place 
would make an admirable spot for the duello. 
Remember the old ‘stories I’ve read of steamers 
on the Mississippi stopping to let a couple of pas- 
sengers fight on some sand-bar, and the spectators 
burying one of ’em there. This puts me in mind of 
it. Where could you find a better place to dispose 
of the unfortunate victim than in one of those empty 
rock tombs? Capital idea! Jove! I’ll improve on 
this subject when I write it up, see if I don’t !” 

Sandy gets no further, as he feels a grip on his 
arm, and, turning, sees Mr. Grimes making expres- 
sive grimaces intended to warn him that he is tread- 
ing on dangerous ground. Mynheer Joe, however, 
does not seem at all affected, but treats the matter 
as a huge joke. 

“ I think for my part, I prefer being buried in a 
modern cemetery ; and I authorize you, my friends, 
in case the worst comes, to see that my poor 
remains are taken care of. In m}^ pocket will be 
found a letter addressed to you, Mr. Grimes, con- 
cerning the little matter we were speaking about 
last night. You can let the person most interested 
see it. There — I am done. I have made my peace ; 
but I want both of you to understand that it is not 
Mvheer Joe’s intention to drop before the sword of 
the Russian. I hope to show him how an American 


170 


MYNHEER JOE. 


can uphold the honor of his flag, even at the sword’s 
point.” 

Confident words these, but they express the feel- 
ings of the man. It is partly this assurance concern- 
ing his own powers that has brought Mynheer Joe 
safely through numerous deadly perils in the 
past. 

Fear will never paralyze his arm when face to face 
with danger, nor can an antagonist expect to reap 
any benefit from such a source. 

By this time they see that Sandy was not far out 
of the way when he marked this point as the scene 
of their expected debarkation. The leading daha- 
beah makes a graceful sweep and comes about at the 
point, landing at a rock that seems especially 
adapted for such business. 

Now it is their turn ; the old reis himself has 
charge of the tiller, and gives his orders in a loud, 
shrill voice that strikes the tympanum in a painful 
way, as though some boy is indulging in the agoniz- 
ing delirium of beating upon empty pans. The Arab 
sailors can no longer be termed lazy ; they jump 
around in the liveliest possible manner and carry out 
the commands of the captain. 

Not an inch out of the way, they shade the wind 
out of the sails, and the boat brings up gently along- 
side the other, to which it is at once secured. 

The baron and his party can already be seen upon 
the shore. Under his arm the Frenchman carries a 
long, slender package, without doubt the swords 
which are destined to occupy so prominent a place 
in the coming event. There is a third member of 
the party, the man known as Colonel Taylor, and 


THE MISSION OF THE DAHABEAH. 


171 


also a short individual who carries a surgeon’s case 
in his hand. 

When our friends join them, words are passed be- 
tween. The principals bow in a perfunctory way, 
but M^aiheer Joe smiles in a careless manner that 
must set the Russian duelist to thinking. 

They do not need to go far away ; the ground is 
right there among the rock tombs; but it is advisa- 
ble to move on a little for several reasons. It is not 
their intention to have the sailors on board the boats 
witness the affair, and just beyond the rocks they 
are apt to find a spot where the sun will not throw 
his fierce rays into the eyes of either, causing a 
momentary blindness that may be fatal. So they 
walk along two and two, Mr. Grimes bringing up 
the rear. 

In five minutes they come to a pause, and the 
French officer sweeps his arm around with a dram- 
atic gesture, saying: 

“ Behold, gentlemen ! The ground selected for 
the duello !” 



CHAPTER XIV. 

A LITTLE AFFAIR AMONG THE MOKKATAM HILLS. 

No one can reasonably offer any objection to the 
selection of the ground, since it is level enough for 
all practical purposes, and certainly so isolated that 
there does not seem to be any danger of interrup- 
tion. The association with the strange tombs hewn 
in solid rock ages ago, by the Egyptians, might 
make some men nervous, but it does not appear to 
have any such effect upon either of the two who 
have met here to face each other in a combat for 
honor. 

Mr. Grimes, in company with the French officer, 
goes over the ground step by step and announces 
that he is perfectly satisfied with the location 
chosen. It certainly cannot be improved upon, and 
might not be equaled, so they are well content as 
it is. 

“ Now for the weapons,’' says the x\merican, 
[172] 


A LITTLE AFFAIR. 


1T3 


whose business-like methods cause the other to sus- 
pect he has figured in duels before. 

The French officer has heard of desperate affrays 
happening in the South and the West. How is he 
to know that the participators in these scrimmages 
are, as a general thing, the very lowest scum of so- 
ciety, and that Southern gentlemen as a rule, have 
given up their former allegiance to the code as a 
settler for all difficulties ? 

Picking up the package he unrolls it. Within, 
wrapped in chamois skin, lie two handsomely made 
swords, of delicate but magnificent appearance. 
These he draws from their separate scabbards and 
holds toward the American. 

“ Select which one you please,” he says, quietly. 

Mr. Grimes crooks his finger, and when Joe, who 
is watching, sees this, he comes at once to the side 
of his friend. 

“ Try these blades,” says his second, curtly. 

The explorer takes one up and makes a few move- 
ments with it. 

“ Careful, the baron’s looking at you,” whispers 
his mentor just then, and Joe sweeps the air no more 
with the blade. 

He bends it double over his knee, allowing it to 
fly back again. Then the second sword is also put 
through its paces. Mynheer Joe’s face is a study, 
for he finds it a pleasure to handle such weapons as 
these. 

“ How does monsieur find them ?” asks the 
Frenchman, eagerly. 

“ Superb — beyond comparison !” replies Joe. 

, Which do you choose, monsieur ?” 


114 : 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ That is a small matter. I find them equal. One 
has a stain upon it, you see.” 

Ouiy monsieur,'' bending forward to look at it 
more closely, and then turning to the baron, who 
smiles coldly, as he carelessly remarks : 

“The blood of young Lord Carmorgan. We met 
in Turkey. He was buried in Stamboul, 1 believe. 
A careless second failed to wipe the blade, and it is 
such a good set that I hate ^o part with them.” 

These words have not the slightest effect upon the 
American, who holds the two swords, one in either 
hand, weighing them thus. 

“ Choose the one that is stained — that has stood 
the test, and may be lucky,” whispers Sandy. 

“ Say rather accursed, my friend, since it is 
marked by the blood of a brave man. 1 ’ll take the 
same blade Lord Carmorgan handled. Since a 
Briton failed to teach the Russian bear a lesson with 
it, we’ll see what Brother Jonathan can do. Hold 
it for me, Mr. Grimes.” 

No one makes any remark, though secretly the 
baron is fuming, while both Mr. Grimes and Sandy 
chuckle at the words of the traveller. It is patent 
that Mynheer Joe has gauged the make-up of his 
antagonist to a dot, and will be able to take care of 
him. 

Both principals in the contemplated affair proceed 
to business. Coats and vests are removed. Joe 
arranges his attire just as in the gymnasium, placing 
the footholds over his shoes, tightening a belt 
around his waist, and fastening up both sleeves. 

The baron observes his movements with a curi- 
osity that shows itself upon his face. He discovers 


A LITTLE AFFAIR. 


175 


that his American antagonist knows more than he 
gave him credit for, and perhaps for the first time 
the startling thought flashes through his brain that 
this man may be a revelation to him. 

His practical eye takes in the wonderful wrist of 
Mynheer Joe and the superb forearm. These points 
give promise of astonishing supple sword-play if in 
thf* possession ot a master. 

The baron feels concern — something that never 
bothered him before when about to enter a little 
affair of this kind, for the duello has been a pastime 
to the Russian, feeling that he. was a sure winner 
from the start. 

Both are now ready. 

Their seconds place them, and as there is really no 
advantage in the ground, this requires little effort. 

“ One moment before we begin ! ’ It is Mr. 
Grimes who speaks, and all eyes are at once turned 
upon him. “Let us understand the conditions of 
this affair. Will the gentlemen’s honor be satisfied 
with the first blood, or is it to be a duel to the 
death 

The baron opens his mouth to declare for the lat- 
ter, remembering the disgrace put upon him when 
the wine was dashed into his face. Just then his 
eyes rest upon the countenance of the American. 
What is it in Mynheer Joe’s looks that causes a 
spasm to pass through the frame of the duelist? He 
hardly knows himself, save that for perhaps the first 
time in his life he has had an undeniable twinge of 
fear. 

“ The first disabling wound will satisfy me.” says 
the baron, coldly, secretly meaning that when he 


176 


MYNHEER JOE. 


himself gives this it shall be the coup de grdce through 
his foeman’s heart. 

Mynheer Joe inclines his head. 

“ What the Russian says suits me. I am ready for 
any conditions/’ he remarks. 

“ It is understood, gentlemen, a disabling wound 
brings the little affair to a termination, and we, the 
seconds, are to be the judges. Are you ready for 
business?” calls Mr. Grimes. 

Both swordsmen assume favorite positions and 
make affirmative responses. Mr. Grimes nods his 
head to the Frenchman. 

“ Begin !” calls that worthy, sharply. 

Hardly has the word left his lips than the sword- 
blades kiss with a ringing sound, and the extraordin- 
ary duel among the hills of Mokkatam has begun. 
It is the baron who assaults ; he is eager to discover 
the mettle of his antagonist, and throws some fire 
into his attack, though not forgetting to keep his 
guard intact, and retain some reserve. 

The spectators group around, and prepare to 
witness one of the most astonishing scenes that ever 
took place upon the bank of the historical Nile. 

It does not take an experienced swordsman long 
to learn that he has met a foeman worthy of his steel, 
and ere they have been at it ten seconds the Russian 
allows a look of surprise to be seen upon his face. 

This is succeeded by an expression of terrible 
ferocity. He has discovered the caliber of his 
antagonist, and is more than ever determined to kill 
him then and there. Fortunately, the object of this 
solicitude has something to say about this matter 
himself, and he speaks with no uncertain sound. 


A LITTLE AFFAIR. 


177 


For perhaps a minute or so, the swords meet and 
writhe and twist like gleaming snakes. Then the 
agile baron springs back beyond reach. He has 
failed in his first attempt. What will he endeavor 
to accomplish now ? 

He knows better than to display any signs of 
alarm. On the contrar}^ he forces a sneer upon his 
lips and appears unconcerned. 

Again he advances, to adopt an entirely new system 
of tactics, which the American meets as becomes the 
favorite pupil of Monsieur Duval, the famous sword- 
master of all Paris. 

The baron is amazed to find that each of his little 
tricks is met in rapid order. He gains no advantage. 
If Joe were surrounded by a wall of steel he could 
not be more secure apparently from the onslaught 
of his antagonist. 

On his part, the American admits that never has 
he met one who could wield the blade with such 
power and skill as this Russian duellist. He is kept 
busy repelling attacks, and when he finds an oppor- 
tunity to make a lunge on his own account it is met 
and parried by the clever work of the baron. 

Mr. Grimes looks on and smiles ; he thinks he can 
afford to, knowing well what a surprise will yet 
come upon the Russian. As for the French captain, 
he rubs his hands together in great glee; such a 
spectacle as this appeals to everything that is mar- 
tial in his composition. He forgets that two men 
are battling for life, and only sees the marvelous 
skill brought to bear in manipulating the swords. 
All the while fervid exclamations escape him, as if 
he cannot keep his feelings under control ; he is like 


178 


MYNHEER JOE. 


a kettle of boiling water — when the heat reaches a 
certain stage he bubbles over. 

Sucre ! Look at that lunge! Magneeficent ! 
And the return ? Charinant ! It is worth losing a 
night’s sleep to gaze upon such lovely play. Mon 
ami, observe the blades kiss and twine about each 
other. My friend has met a noble adversary. Mon 
Dieu ! Such coolness, such wonderful arms, I have 
not seen in all my life. I am proud to-say Americans 
are the friends of the French. But it is one great 
pity — he must go down. The baron tires them all 
out — his arm is made of steel. I trust it will only be 
a flesh wound. Parbleu! I should hate to see that 
brave man die.” 

Thus he mutters and exclaims in starts, as he 
watches the fierce engagement. Mr. Grimes hears 
him. Mr. Grimes does not share his apprehension 
one iota. He simply utters in the Frenchman’s ear, 
the one word : 

“ Wait!” 

Meanwhile the second bout between the two men 
has proven as fruitless as the first. As if through 
mutual consent they spring back to recover them- 
selves. 

“ Time !” says the Frenchman. 

They rest upon their swords, and during this 
brief interval keen eyes are upon them. The French 
captain contrasts the two. He has declared that the 
baron, in the past, has won more than one victory 
because of his wonderful endurance, which has 
enabled him to wear his antagonist out. To his sur- 
prise, he now discovers that the Russian has put 
forth such tremendous force in the attempt to 


A LITTLE AFFAIR. 


179 


beat down Joe’s guard, that he shows more signs of 
exhaustion than his antagonist. 

What does Mynheer Joe do, as if to show his con- 
tempt for the man against whom he is pitted, but 
take a cigar and place it, unlighted, between his 
teeth. 

The baron’s eyes flash lightnings when he sees 
this act. He realizes that the mistake of his life has 
come upon him. When Mynheer Joe entered Cairo 
the Russian’s star began to decline. It is now going 
down with a rush. 

“ Ready !” he cries, raising his sword. 

The American meets him half way, and for the 
third time the weapons clash together. Now the 
baron exhausts his repetory of curious strokes and 
tiicks, hoping to discover some weak point about 
the other’s defense. 

In this he signally fails. 

As yet he has felt no twinge of fear, trusting in 
his own skill to defend himself. If it comes to the 
worst, the duel can be called a draw, and he sucks 
consolation out of that fact, while not omitting to 
keep a close watch for the opening he still hopes to 
discover. 

A new phase in the duel is about to take place, 
what Mr. Grimes has been so anxiously awaiting. 
He wonders why Mynheer Joe delays so long, and 
can only lay it to that strange feeling of fine humor 
which causes a cat to play with a mouse. 

It comes at last. 

Joe springs back a pace, passes his sword from his 
right hand to his left, and is at the Russian like a 
tiger. His trenchant blade flashes before the baron’s 


180 


MYNHEER JOE. 


eyes, and a cry of wonder and dismay is forced from 
the latter’s lips, when he realizes a new arm is 
matched against his wearied one ; that the marvel- 
ous attack must now be met in a different manner 
than before, since it proceeds from the left shoulder. 

Mr. Grimes hears a groan beside him. It is the 
French officer, who realizes that the day is lost to 
his cause. 

The baron is game. He battles desperately to 
save himself. Mr. Grimes notes the sallow hue that 
has crept over the man’s face, and he knows the duel 
is already decided. For the first time perhaps in his 
life, the Russian feels the cold clutch of fear at his 
heart. Once a man allows this feeling to come over 
him in a duel, his chances are gone. At the same 
time, over-confidence is just about as fatal to suc- 
cess. The only safe course is a line between, cau- 
tious and wide-awake, ready to do his best and leave 
the rest. 

It becomes apparent that the baron weakens. His 
defense is no longer the marvelous one he put up 
while Mynheer Joe continued the right-hand move- 
ment. These flashes from the uncouth side dazzle 
him. He has never been drilled to meet the attack 
of a left-handed swordsman, and finds his brain 
unable to successfully cope with the new problems 
thus suddenly presented for solution. 

The baron is lost. 

He might still save himself by springing back and 
sullenly refusing to continue the engagement with a 
man who has such a wonderful advantage over him, 
in that his left arm is as dexterous as his right. 

Perhaps such a thought flashes into the mind of 


A LITTLE AFFAIR. 


181 


the Russian ; he is human, and life is sweet to him ; 
but he does not take advantage of the idea. Pride 
rises against it. He comes from a race that would 
meet death rather than appear a coward. 

So he battles on, doing his best to meet the 
attacks of his foe. He no longer hopes to assault in 
turn — his arm is too tired for that. He suffers 
excruciating pain every time he makes a move. 
More than once can Mynheer Joe, if he chooses, 
drive his blade through the body of his foe. He 
lets the chances slip by ; perhaps the time may come 
when he will regret this mercy, but he does not like 
to have the blood of a white man on his hands. 

At last the opportunity he looks for comes; there 
is a quick movement, a sudden cry, and the sword 
of the American protrudes through the right arm of 
the baron at the shoulder. 

Lord Carmorgan has been avenged with the 
weapon he handled in vain ! 



CHAPTER XV. 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 

With another quick movement the American 
withdraws his sword and steps back a pace to avoid 
any punishment, but the baron is in no condition to 
deal such. He sinks back, and only that the French 
captain springs forward and catches the baron in his 
arms he must fall in a heap. 

There is no sign of fainting, only exhaustion. He 
stands there, sustained in part by his second, looking 
at the first man in all the world who has proved his 
master, and the gleam of those eyes can be termed 
nothing less than diabolical. 

Mynheer Joe leans on his sword and coolly surveys 
his antagonist. Then he calls for a match and ap- 
plies it to the cigar which he has held between his 
teeth all this while. It is evident that he has no fear 
of the future. 

The tableau remains unbroken for perhaps a full 
minute. 

“Time !” says Mr. Grimes, clearly. 

Mynheer Joe, still smoking calmly, elevates his 
[182] 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 


183 


sword. The plucky baron makes a move to follow 
suit, when his second, the French captain, throws 
himself between. 

“ Mon Dieu ! You would not finish this affair with 
murder, comrades? It was agreed that a disabling 
wound would end it. See, my principal has no 
longer any arm. What served him so well is now 
almost as useless as a dead member. You will call 
it quits, or I shall offer myself his substitute !” he 
cries with commendable enthusiasm and pluck, since 
he knows he is no match for the Yankee. 

“ On one condition,” returns Mr. Grimes, who als ) 
produces and lights a cigar, while the irrepressible 
Sandy is scribbling away for dear life in shorthand 
at the rate of a thousand words a minute, more or 
less. 

“ Name it, monsieur.” 

“ The baron provoked this duel by an insulting 
allusion to the American flag. It has had a trial by 
arms, and the decision rests against him. Let him 
frankly apologize, not to my friend only, but to 
Americans everywhere, and 1 am sure Mynheer Joe 
will be satisfied as well as myself.” 

The proposition is reasonable. 

Parbleu ! I see no reason why it should not be 
done in common justice, since it has been decreed 
that my principal was in the wrong. It was a grand 
sight though; a superb spectacle that will haunt me 
always. What sny you y monsieur le baron — do you 
withdraw your allusion to the flag under which this 
gentleman serves?” 

The Russian smiles. 

I am compelled to, since I declared that it cov- 


184 : 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ered only cowards, for he has proven very plainly 
that I made a mistake. Mynheer Joe knows my 
allusion was made only to provoke him to a meet- 
ing, so that I need retract my words no further 
than this.” 

'‘You have had the meeting; are you satisfied, 
baron?” asks Joe himself. 

“ For the present, yes,” returns the other, between 
his teeth, “but this does not end it, my American 
friend. No man has ever yet run across my path 
and lived. Your time will come !” 

“ No man up to now has ever worsted you in a 
duel, Russia, but you met your match here. Take 
care it is not your life that is snuffed out like a can- 
dle. We Americans shoot to kill when we engage 
with wolves or tigers,” says Mr. Grimes. 

The baron does not answer, but if looks can do 
deadly execution, then would our three friends drop 
on the spot. 

By this time the surgeon has taken the baron in 
charge, and leaving open his shirt, which is 
already saturated with blood, he proceeds to bind 
up the wound in a business-like way. 

It will prove painful for some little time, but not 
dangerous, unless the baron's blood is in wretched 
condition, when blood-poisoning may set in. A 
wound of this sort is of a more serious nature in a 
hot country than if received where the air is brac- 
ing. 

Mynheer Joe quietly resumes the garments he 
cast off when preparing for the duel, and in five 
minutes one would not imagine he has been engaged 
in any such business. 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 


185 


It is time they returned to the river. Sandy, in 
particular, is anxious to reach Cairo for some reason 
or other. 

Just as they are about to bid the others a courte- 
ous good morning and withdraw from the scene, the 
silence that broods over the place is suddenly and 
rudely broken. 

Shrill cries, filled with anger, ring out, coming from 
the direction of the river. It sounds as if a dozen 
men or tiger-cats are endeavoring to see which can 
make the most noise. 

“ They’re coming !” exclaims Sandy, whipping 
out his revolver, and selecting a good-sized palm as 
a base of defense. 

It flashes through the minds of all that the baron 
has made a threat when he declared the duel did 
not end the feud between himself and Mynheer Joe. 

Then again, they remember their conversation in 
the cabin of the dahabeah, when the possibility was 
mentioned, of a conspiracy to overwhelm them in 
case the baron lost the fight. 

When they hear those fearful shouts, it comes 
to the mind of Mynheer Joe as well as Mr. Grimes 
that the Arabic crews of the two boats have com- 
bined and are rushing upon the scene to down the 
enemies of the baron. Perhaps some prearranged 
signal has been given to let them know the result of 
the duel, and that it now rests with them. 

Hence, acting under this belief, the two Americans 
instantly draw their weapons. They do not stand 
in their tracks but immediately leap forward to 
meet their expected foes. 

Sandy, seeing the new state of affairs, quits his 


186 


MYNHEER JOE. 


beloved palm, and follows after them as rapidly as 
his shorter legs will allow. 

To their surprise the enemy does not show up; 
their fierce clamor still continues, but it seems to be 
in the quarter where the boats have both been left. 
Mr. Grimes is the first lo guess the truth. 

Bless my soul, I believe they ’ve having a small 
war among themselves!” he says. 

“ Yes, we ’re not in it,” gasps Sandy. 

Another moment, and they turn an angle of the 
rocks that allows them a clear view of the battle- 
field. Sure enough, the rival crews of the two dah- 
abeahs are at it, hammer and tongs. How the 
affair started ma}^ never be known, for these rascally 
Arabs cannot be hired to tell the truth when there 
is a chance to lie ; nor do the Americans care 
materially about this point. 

Mynheer Joe, without a moment’s hesitation, 
bounds away, heading for the boats as though it is 
his intention to join in the mdie, where broken heads 
will soon be the order of the day. 

“ He’ll be killed !” cries Sandy, hurrying along at 
the side of Mr. Grimes. 

“ Don’t you believe it, my boy. Joe is used to 
quelling such disturbances among the blacks of the 
Soudan ; and, my word for it, he ’ll bring this affair 
to a sudden close. Watch ! There he goes now.” 

The explorer has leaped aboard the dahabeah 
nearer the shore. It is upon the deck of this all the 
Arabs are gathered in a noisy crowd, pulling one 
another’s frowsy hair and threatening to make blood 
flow. 

Mynheer Joe’s voice is heard like a trumpet above 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 


187 


the clamor, which gradually dies down as different 
members of the mob quail before his eye and terri- 
ble appearance. 

“ Back to your boat, all who belong there ! Back, 
or you shall die like dogs !” he shouts in the Arabic 
tongue, which, in his long service in the Soudan, he 
has fully mastered. 

They hear his words, they see his threatening 
manner, and as the mobs of blacks obeyed the slight- 
est wish of the magnetic hero Gordon, so a portion 
of his reflected light is placed, like Elijah’s mantle, 
on the shoulders of the man wlio saw him die and 
avenged his fall. 

First the old reis jumps across to his own deck, 
and he is speedily followed by one and another of 
his crew. 

The will-power of a single man has ere now con- 
trolled thousands, and Mynheer Joe is possessed of 
this personal magnetism, that draws men to him, and 
even affects his enemies. 

When Mr. Grimes and Sandy pull up at the rocky 
landing, peace has fallen upon the crews of the rival 
river boats. Though they glare at one another and 
make threatening gestures, they do not longer call 
out. 

Some of the'Arabs look rather the worse for their 
little tussle, and one in particular seems to be such a 
wreck that Sandy proceeds to draw his picture for 
the great book which he expects to issue some day, 
and which will illustrate all that a wide-awake war 
correspondent has seen during his travels in times of 
bellowing cannon and piping peace, the world over. 

They cast off and are soon beating against the 


188 


MYNHEER JOE. 


contrary wind. As the current of the river favors 
their return to Cairo, they make fair progress, and 
the glittering city, with its mosques and minarets, 
its ancient buildings and modern quarters, seems to 
draw closer all the while. 

Mr. Grimes seems thoughtful, while Sandy can 
hardly keep quiet, so exuberant are his spirits over 
the success of his friend. 

When Mynheer Joe notices this, he does not hesi- 
tate to speak to the pseudo silver king. 

“ You don’t look satisfied, Mr. Grimes?” 

That ’s a fact,” replied the other. 

“ Didn’t the affair turn out to suit you !” 

“ Not exactly.” 

“Ah! You wouldn’t have had the boot on the 
other leg, my friend ?” 

“ Never! But that man should just now be lying 
there under the palms. They used to say out 
West, the only good Indian is a dead Indian ; and 
I ’m sure the only time the baron will be a gentle- 
man in the true sense of the word, is when he is 
laid out.” 

“ Well, we needn’t worry ; we leave Cairo before 
many hours, bound for India. Let the baron fume 
and the heathen rage ; we ’ll sail away over the seas 
and be happy.” 

Joe is thinking of Molly, for he already knows she 
and her father are to be members of the company 
on board the Alhambra, when the steamer leaves 
Alexandria for Port Said and the Suez Canal. 

“ Don’t count on that, milord,” remarks Sandy, 
looking up from his drawing. 

“ What d’ ye mean, old fellow?” asks Joe, while 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 


189 


Mr. Grimes, who already knows, nods his head and 
looks very wise. 

“ The baron goes to India by the same steamer, 
the Alhambra'^ 

Mynheer Joe frowns ; he sees trouble ahead, 
knowing as much as he does of the man. 

“ That is too bad. It will spoil all our pleasure on 
the voyage. I am sure Miss Molly will regret to 
hear of it,” he says. 

“ Like a death’s head at a feast,” from Sandy. 

“ If we could postpone our flitting until the next 
steamer,” suggests Mr. Grimes. 

Joe shakes his head. 

“ Impossible for me,” he says soberly. 

“ I ’ve got it?” exclaims Sandy, beginning a war- 
dance on the roof of the cabin, paper in one hand, 
pencil in the other. “ Yes, I ’ve got it!” 

“ What ! The Nile fever ?” demands Mr. Grimes. 

“ A subject fora dancing dervish,” suggests Joe. 

“ Wrong, both of you, gentlemen. What I ’vegot 
concerns us all. It ’s an idea 

At this both Mr. Grimes and Joe make out to be 
dreadfully excited, appealing to Sandy not to let it 
get away and to be very careful lest his brain should 
burst. 

“ These sudden ideas are dangerous,” declares 
Grimes, with great soberness. 

“ They may be for you, but my bread and butter 
depend on them you see,” returns Sandy, not at all 
annoyed by their joke. 

“ Well, share it, old fellow.” 

Don’t you see we’re anxious to hear all?” 

But Sandy takes his time. 


190 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ It concerns you both, of course, but, most of all, 
it interests the baron.” 

“ Ah', yes ; of course, it does.” 

“ The next steamer after the one vve take arrives 
a week later at Alexandria. It is called the Malwa, 
What I propose is that the Russian bear shall miss 
the Alharnbra and be compelled to lie over a week 
at Alexandria. 

The others soberly take his hand and squeeze it 
to show their appreciation of his brilliant idea, 
which appears to strike them in a favorable light. 
At the present they do not stop for investigation. 

“ How will you do it, Sandy ?” asks Joe, his eyes 
bent upon the wonder city ahead on the east bank 
of the Nile, the environs of which they have now 
reached. 

“I haven’t bothered myself about that yet, but 
this brain of mine can be depended on to bring out 
the proper thought when the times comes. Count 
upon it as a settled fact. The baron will remain in 
iVlexandria \yhen the steamer leaves ; more than 
that I do not feel able to promise.” 

It is just as well he does not, since he may be un- 
able to fulfill the conditions. 

Their attention is now directed in another quar- 
ter, and the conversation wheels around to different 
subjects. Both of Joe’s companions have had their 
respect for the explorer increased on this morning, 
first by the brave manner in which he went to meet a 
foe who, up to this time, has proven invincible, and 
in the second place by his dexterity in vanquishing 
that same individual. They have regarded him with 
respect before, but now their feelings are almost like 


THE BARON IS SATISFIED. 


191 


those of a brother. He is a wonder and a marvel 
to them. 

Other boats sail upon the broad Nile, and the 
picture is one that the student of nature and peculiar 
customs never tires of admiring ; for what with the 
strange craft, their gaudily dressed passengers and 
the setting of old Cairo in the background, the scene 
IS one that appeals to all that is romantic. 

They see nothing of the rival dahabeah, but among 
the scores of similar boats in sight she may be 
nearer than they think. At any rate, the subject is 
one of indifference now. 

A landing is* made at the same spot where they 
embarked. Ere leaving they settled with the old 
reis for the use of the craft. 

Different indeed are their feelings now ; when go- 
ing aboard, the near future was dark and forbid- 
ding ; it was like a lottery from which they had just 
drawn a prize. Not one of the trio seems dissatis- 
fied, save Mr. Grimes. That worthy shakes his head 
seriously a number of times and frowns, as though 
something weighs heavil}^ on his mind. He can be 
heard to mutter, too, and the burden of his com- 
plaint is always in the same strain : 

“ A great mistake to only wound him. A 
scotched serpent is dangerous. We will hear from 
him again.” 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE ROAD TO INDIA. 

Once more in Cairo they proceed to look after 
various duties that call for attention, Mr. Grimes 
going one way, Stindy to send his long-delayed tel- 
egram securing passage on the good stCcimGr A l/iam- 
bra, while Mynheer Joe goes at once to Shepherd’s, 
where he has, later on, an appointment with several 
diplomatic representatives of the British govern- 
ment, who desire the fullest particulars he can give 
concerning the sad event that recently happened at 
Khartoom. 

From a window of the hotel a pair of anxious 
eyes note his coming. A fluttering white kerchief 
attracts his attention, and he sees the face of Molly. 
She waves again and he bows. A tremendous load 
is taken off her mind. She has suffered keenly in the 
suspense that has weighed upon her ever since she 
heard the voices below in the court and learned from 
her father that Mynheer Joe had gone to fight a duel 
with the Russian baron. 

Joe does not see her until evening, and then her 
look of eager interest tells him that she is acquainted 
with ail. He flushes with a feeling akin to shame. 

[192] 


THE KOAD TO INDIA. 


193 


“You seem to have come out of your little diffi- 
culty with credit, Mynheer Joe,” she murmurs, as 
she walks at his, side. 

“ Who told you about it, Miss Molly ?” 

“ 1 heard you leaving, and my father told me there 
was about to be some sort of an affair of honor, he 
called it.” 

“ 1 am sorry you heard of it,” he says. 

“You have the glory of being the victor.” 

There is a slight sting of bitterness in her voice 
which he feels keenly. 

“It is a glory 1 never sought. I have not paraded 
it about Cairo. Being the challenged party 1 was 
compelled to fight, or let that man, whom I despise, 
believe I feared him.” 

“ And what was it all about?” 

“ He insulted my flag to my face. I am an Ameri- 
can and resented the insult by tossing a glass of 
wine in his face. Then came the challenge. We 
had it out with swords under the palms, and I hope 
it is done with.” 

“ But I have always heard the baron had no equal 
as a swordsman,” she says quickly. 

Mynheer Joe smiles. 

“ Still, good fortune attended me, and that some- 
times makes up for lack of skill, you know,” he 
replies ; but Molly believes he has not told the 
whole story, and privately makes up her mind to 
question Sandy at the very earliest opportunity that 
offers. 

“ I have not seen the baron to-day ” — looking him 
steadily in the eyes. “ You did not kill him, I hope,” 
with a shudder. 


194 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ Oh, no ! Merely a puncture through the shoulder 
of his sword-arm that will keep him quiet for a few 
days, perhaps. Mr. Grimes — ” 

“ Well, what about Mr. Grimes?” seeing that he 
hesitates to go on. 

“ He declared it would have been better for the 
whole of us if the baron had gone down in the duel ; 
but I assure you I have no desire to see his blood 
on my hands. Let us talk of something more agree- 
able, Miss Molly.” 

“ I understand he intends going to India on the 
same steamer with us.” 

“We will fervently hope and pray that something 
may occur to make him change his mind before we 
start,” says the traveller, not thinking it good policy 
to say anything about Sandy’s little scheme until 
they see whether it turns out to be a success or not. 

So they drift upon other subjects, of which there 
are plenty to discuss. During the day. Mynheer 
Joe has met Molly’s father and talked matters over, 
so that he knows much of their plans for the future 
and can shape his own accordingly. 

It is their last night in the grand old city of Cairo. 
When darkness again descends over Egypt, they 
hope to be on the crack vessel of the Peninsular 
and Oriental Steam Navigation Company’s fleet, 
heading for Port Said and the Suez Canal. 

Whether Joe is conscious of the factor not, Molly 
soon discovers that her companion is the observed 
of all. Women and men look at him secretly or 
openly stare. The news of the duel has permeated 
society in Cairo ; it is a secret no longer. Nearly 
every one is glad the affair turned out as it did, for 


THE ROAD TO INDIA. 


195 


the baron has made few friends in Egypt. Besides, 
it is human nature to delight in seeing pride low- 
ered; and ever since the Russian came to Cairo his 
reputation as a duelist has been noised abroad. The 
man who has downed him must naturally be a hero, 
outside of the fact of his connection with the fall of 
Khartoom. 

Molly sees the admiring glances, and she is proud 
of Joe; the very fact that he seems unconscious of 
his exalted position raises him still higher in her 
estimation. As for that worthy, he thinks of noth- 
ing beyond the fact that he is in the company of the 
girl he loves, that her smiles raise him to the seventh 
heaven of exaltion, and that he would gladly bask 
in them forever. 

It may be readily imagined that with the evil 
genius locked up in his room, groaning and cursing 
with the pain of his wound inflicted by a rival, the 
two young people pass a delightful evening, which 
neither of them will be liable to forget in time to 
come. 

Mr. Grimes is present and keeps a watchful eye 
upon them, for he has a grave suspicion that further 
mischief will be hatched out by the ingenious mind 
of the baron and, under such circumstances, it 
behooves him to be constantly on guard in order to 
thwart any diabolical plans. 

At last the great caravansary becomes quiet, and 
the square in front loses its brilliant, bustling 
appearance. The howls of stray curs alone break 
the stillness of the night, as they gather here and 
there to hunt in packs, often rending each other. 

Morning again ! 


196 


MYNHEER JOE. 


It is the day when the Alhambra is due at Alexan- 
dria, and the train leaves Cairo for the city at the 
mouth of the Nile at eight. What is an early break- 
fast for sojourners in Egypt is dispatched, and then 
the travellers are taken to the train that is in wait- 
ing. 

As yet they have seen nothing of the baron. 
Mynheer Joe wonders if the Russian’s absence is in 
any measure due to the machinations of Sandy. He 
endeavors to read the face of the little war corres- 
pondent, but it is no go. The great Napoleon 
could not have presented a more unruffled counten- 
ance. Sandy looks as innocent as a babe. 

It lacks but five minutes to eight when a carriage 
drives up. The baron alights from it. All notice 
that his right arm is in a sling, but his face has a 
smile upon it as he bows. 

He does not go alone. Colonel Taylor and the 
Hindoo servant are in his company, and look after 
the portmanteau and various packages. 

Mynheer Joe realizes that Sandy has not yet had 
a chance, in all probability, to put his little game 
into operation. Perhaps he does not desire to do so 
until the last hour. He wonders what sort of a 
scheme it may be, and how the little correspondent 
will manage to manipulate the wires. 

Then, as the baron and his companions enter a 
compartment, Joe loses them, and they drop from 
his mind at the same time. 

Our five friends occupy one carriage, and have 
quite an enjoyable time during the seven hours it 
takes them to make the hundred and thirty miles 
between Cairo and Alexandria. 


THE ROAD TO INDIA. 


197 


Lunch has thoughtfully been provided, and is 
enjoyed en route. Mynheer Joe sees more to admire 
in Molly Tanner with every hour of his acquaint- 
ance, and if the thought had not come to him before, 
he is now fully resolved to win her for his wife. 

Why not, when fate seems to have made them for 
each other? He has saved her life; they meet 
again in a peculiar fashion and are mutually attract- 
ed ; she is the one who would benefit by his uncle’s 
will in case he never turns up — all these things can 
mean but one result. She must be his. 

He revels in the thought that the worthy o\d pater 
may return to his beloved Chicago while the young 
people, filled with the desire to see more of the 
world, visit the strange places of earth, to add to 
the geographical knowledge of humanity. With 
such a companion, it will be happiness to isolate 
oneself for months, if need be, in the wilderness. He 
only longs for the chance to try it. 

Mynheer Joe is no fool, if he has spent much of 
his later life away from society. He does not wish 
to be too abrupt. It is just as well that they get 
to know each other better before he attempts to 
assume the position of lover. 

The journey becomes a trifle wearisome with such 
slow time, and all are really glad when Alexandria 
is reached, about three in the afternoon. 

No steamer yet. She must be delayed. 

The tourists are taken to the Hotel de 1’ Europe, 
on the grand square. If the steamer arrives, they 
will have to make a speedy transfer, as she will not 
remain more than an hour or so. 

Sandy becomes all business. 


198 


MYNHEER JOE. 


He asks none of them to join in his secrets, 
but disappears from view. Perhaps he means to ^et 
the first information concerning the coming of the 
steamer and has his own way of doing it. 

At exactly five minutes to four he makes, his 
appearance at the hotel. 

“Steamer is in sight!” he says to Mr. Grimes. 

“ How do you know, Sandy ?” asked that worthy. 

“ I had a good glass and the pasha’s palace 
afforded me a fine situation for observation. She 
will be in at five and leave at six. See that you are 
ready.” 

“ Look here: How about that little engagement 
you made to keep — ” 

“ Silence, my dear fellow ! Say nothing, but keep 
your eyes open.” And Sandy marches to find the 
others and communicate his news. 

Mr. Grimes looks after him and smiles. 

“ 1 really suspect the sharp little fellow has been 
up to something or other. He has good friends 
here in Alexandria among the officers, who would 
do a good deal for him. I wonder what his game 
is, and if he will succeed in giving the baron his 
second knock-out. Perhaps it will be my turn to 
have a hand in the game after awhile.” 

Sandy cannot hope to keep the news of the 
approaching steamer from all others, nor does he 
desire to do so. All that he wants is to get his 
friends in readiness, so there may be no delay on 
their part. 

He is off again as though very important business 
demands his attention ; nor do the others see him 
until it is time to leave. 


THE KOAD TO INDIA. 


199 


Amid the bustle of departure from the hotel 
Sandy again shows up and secures his baggage. 
They are soon landed at the quay. The steamer 
lies some little distance out, and shows signals that 
demand haste on the part of those coming aboard. 

Then begins a din that is only equaled by the 
shouts of the donkey-drivers in the public square. 
The boatmen of Alexandria can give even a New 
York hackman points about bulldozing a traveller 
into accepting their particular craft. The clamor 
is intense, and/ at times it actually looks as though 
some of the rascals might lay violent hands upon 
the travellers and attempt to toss them into their 
boats — a proceeding that would result disastrously 
to the boatmen. 

At length, however, they hire a couple of boats 
to take themselves and luggage out to the steamer; 
and when this point has been actually settled, the 
mob quiets down like a hive of bees aftar an erup- 
tion or else seeks fresh victims. 

Mynheer Joe notices that another party is embark- 
ing near by — the baron. He has secured a boat, 
and, with his two followers, heads for the steamer. 
Then Sandy’s plan has been a dead failure ! Mr. 
Grimes turns a look that borders on the sarcastic 
upon the correspondent, and is immediately knocked 
all in a heap by the twinkle he sees in Sandy’s e3^es. 
It seems to say to him : “ Wait, and you may yet 

see some fun, my fine fellow.” 

Surprised, Mr. Grimes notices that Sandy keeps 
one eye turned in the direction of the boat in which 
the baron is seated, as though he finds deep interest 
there. He, too, turns his eyes in that direction. 


200 


MYNHEER JOE. 


At first he sees nothing out of the way. The man 
rows along after the indolent fashion of these lazy 
Alexandria boatmen, paying no attention to the sig- 
nals from the steamer that indicate a lack of time. 

Looking beyond, Mr. Grimes pricks up his ears, so 
to speak ; for a glimmer of the truth flashes into his 
brain when he sees a boat propelled by a couple of 
British soldiers and containing three others, one of 
them an officer, following the baron’s craft and not 
far behind. 

They come up rapidly. 

The Russian turns in his seat in the stern and 
takes one look at the other boat, but does not seem 
to bother his head over it a bit. In the course of 
two minutes, the boat containing the soldiers is 
alongside the other, and the officer lays his hand on 
the gunwale. 

“ What does this mean?” demands the baron, in a 
loud, offensive voice. 

Our friends motion to the men to stop rowing, so 
that they may hear what passes near by. 

“I beg your pardon, sir, but 1 am looking for 
Baron Popoff,” says the officer. 

“ That is my name, sir,” replies the other. 

He does not look alarmed, only annoyed, as 
though some impecunious creditor is about to make 
a descent upon him at the last moment. 

“ 1 have just found you in time, baron,” with a 
significant glance toward the waiting steamer, from 
whose funnel the smoke pours — she resembles some 
impatient animal eager to start in the race. 

“ Indeed, sir, what do you wish with me ? I have 


THE ROAD TO INDIA. 


201 


not kept my light hidden under a bushel while in 
Alexandria,” returns the Russian. 

“ Pardon me, baron, I know nothing of the matter 
beyond the fact that I have instructions to bring you 
before the general.” 

“ What ?” and with a weird Russian curse bub- 
bling from his lips, the baron springs to his feet. 

“ My language was plain, baron. I am sorry to 
break into any of your plans, but my orders allow 
no latitude.” 

“ But, sir,” thunders the baron, excited, I am 
booked to leave on that steamer!” 

“ I am sorry for that, baron.” 

“ You will not stop me now. Whatever this may 
be, it could easily be explained, but if 1 return with 
you to the citadel 1 lose the steamer!” 

The officer looks his regret, but he is as firm as 
adamant. 

“ I only know my orders, baron,” he says. 

“ You will not allow me to proceed, sir?” 

“I am an English officer; I have been sent to find 
and convey you before the general. There my duty 
ceases. Not if there were a dozen steamers to sail 
and a thousand barons to take passage on them, 
would I fail to obey the orders I have received.” 

The baron grinds his teeth in rage. 

“ What if I refuse to accompany you ?” he says, in 
a quiet tone that contrasts strangely with his excited 
manner. 

“ Much to my regret 1 shall be obliged to use 
force,” replies the officer. 

“ Suppose I should still resist ?” 

“ I would take you, baron, if 1 had to call upon 


202 


MYNHEER JOE. 


yonder iron-dads for help,” pointing to the great 
British war-vessels Vesuvius and Thunderer^ which lie 
about where the fleet opened the awful bombard- 
ment on Alexandria some half a dozen years before. 

The baron seems to be weighing the chances. He 
hates everything English, and is peculiarly fitted for 
the mission to India in the interests of the White 
Czar. It grates upon his nerves to be thus ignomin- 
iously brought back by a British officer and com- 
pelled to give up his contemplated embarkation ; 
but he can see no other possible outlet. The gates 
seem closed around him. 

He looks like a baffled tiger, with its prey in full 
sight at the time the trap closes. Even Molly sees 
his face, and never forgets the look there is stamped 
upon it. Men glare at a fellow-human that way 
just before they do murder. 

“There is no way out of this mess, then?” 

“ Only one — by accompanying me to headquar- 
ters, where you may explain matters and be back 
before the steamer leaves,” replies the Briton. 

“ You know that is a false hope, sir. The Alham- 
bra will steam away in ten minutes or so,” replies 
the Russian, savagely. 

“ Well, as a der7iier ressort, try Suez.” 

“ Eh?” 

“ Take the railroad to Suez and there await the 
coming of the steamer down the canal.” 

“ Confusion !” It is Sandy who mutters this, as he 
smites his head with his hand. “ Great brain that 
of yours, old fellow, never once to think of that. 
Grimes, kick me, will you?” 

“Wait. Danger of upsetting the boat, and I 


THE ROAD TO INDIA. 


203 


reckon there are sharks here. When we get on 
board the steamer, I ’ll accommodate you with the 
greatest pleasure in the world,” returns the practical 
Grimes. 

“You try it when there are others around, and 
the worm will turn, sir, turn and rend you; but I 
am in the dumps. Think of the grand scheme I ’ve 
arranged to shake that fellow, and never once 
thought of what that dandy officer just now so 
coldly informed him — that he could, even if delayed 
a couple of days, take the train, run to Cairo, and 
from there to Suez, waylaying us there. Hang the 
luck ! I see I ’ll have to murder him in cold blood 
yet.” 

“ That was a convincing argument, and he gives 
in. See how sullenly he resumes his seat and orders 
his boatman to pull for the shore. There ! He 
looks this way. I wonder if he suspects. Keep a 
straight face, Sandy, for Heaven’s sake. Mynheer 
Joe, forward once more.” 

The traveller gives a short, sharp order in the 
Arabic tongue ; oars again fall into the water, 
brawny arms exercise their muscle, and the boats 
shoot toward the steamer. 

The last they see of the baron and his followers, 
he is landing and moving away with the officer, to 
whom he talks with many a gesture, while Colonel 
Taylor and the Hindoo watch the luggage. 

Our friends board the steamer. Some little delay 
is brought about, during which Sandy becomes ner- 
vous, walking the deck with a quick stride, watching 
the quay and pulling at his diminutive mustache. 


204 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Then comes the whistle, they move away, and 
Alexandria is left behind. 

Look!” says Sandy to Mr. Grimes, nodding in 
their wake. The baron has returned — he is in his 
boat — the men row madly, but no one on board 
notices I Ta, ta, old fellow! Wait here for the 
Malwa, or meet us at Suez. Adieu ! Adieu !” 

The steamer increases her speed, and the city of 
Alexandria is soon lost to sight in the gathering 
dusk, although her many lights remain in view for 
some time. Gradually these fade away, and night 
reigns over the great sea whose waves wash the 
shores of three continents, and on board the Alham- 
bra all seems well. 



BOOK IIL 


A MEETING IN BOMBAY. 


CHAPTER XVII. 

TROUBLE ON THE BHENDY BAZAR ROAD. 

Some two weeks or so later, the steamer lies safe 
in the harbor of Bombay. They have experienced 
some rough weather en route, and all are glad to be 
safe on shore once more. The voyage has been 
otherwise uneventful, although when at Suez the 
baron and his two followers came on board. 

.Whatever suspicions the Russian may entertain, he 
has no positive knowledge of the truth. Sandy sees 
him looking hard in his direction quite often, but 
appears to be supremely indifferent to the fact. A 
child or a heathen Chinee could not look more inno- 
cent than Sandy when he chooses to. 

As for Mynheer Joe, he makes up his mind to pay 
no attention to the other. It is easy to say this but 
more difficult to carry out the idea. 


[205I 


206 


MYNHEER JOE. 


When a man is conscious of the fact that there is 
an enemy on board a vessel with him, watching his 
love-making with eyes that dart out deadly light- 
nings, it is not reasonable to suppose that he can 
forget all about him so easily. 

Besides, Mr. Grimes warns Joe to be careful lest 
the baron attempt some such trick as was tried the 
first night at Shepherd’s. Consequently Joe keeps 
his enemy well in mind and avoids hanging over the 
rail after dark, since it would not be a ver}^ difficult 
thing to be dropped into the Indian Ocean, where 
sharks of a prodigious size abound. 

Nor is his caution in vain, for they lose one of 
their passengers one night. It is never known how 
he goes, but a sailor is found who believes he heard 
a muffled cry and a splash, but for fear of being 
laughed at, said nothing. 

Mynheer Joe will never forget the look of sur- 
prise and disgust that flashes over the face of the 
baron when he comes upon him the next morning. 
After the absence of the passenger is noted, he 
begins to suspect the truth that perhaps the Hindoo 
servant of the baron, mistaking the other for him, 
pushed him overboard, and then reporting the acci- 
dent to his master, made sure Joe was a gone case. 
The fact that the missing passenger resembles 
Mynheer Joe very much, causes the latter to feel 
more and more that there may be truth in the story. 
Even Sandy jumps at this theory, and from that 
hour Joe’s caution increases, since he has no desire 
to make food for the sharks. 

One happy event has occurred. 

At Suez there comes aboard a Hindoo. Meeting 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


207 


Sandy he makes inquiries, and the correspondent 
gladly leads him to Mynheer Joe. When that 
worthy sights him he gives a cry of delight, for it 
is Kassee whom he seizes by the hand, the faithful 
Kassee whom he lost upon the Nile, and who 
accompanied him from Khartoom. 

It seems that the servant lost his master in the 
darkness, and feared he was drowned. He himself 
passed through a variety of adventures and fina lly 
reached Cairo only to find that his beloved master 
had sailed a day before. 

Here some friends among the officers who knew 
his history made up a purse and sent Kassee to Suez 
to intercept the steamer, so that good and evil came 
aboard the Alhambra at her stop there. 

As Mynheer Joe has really given the other up for 
dead, his delight is all the deeper on that account. 
Kassee acts as his guardian angel during the re- 
mainder of. the trip, and the explorer feels safer on 
account of his coming. 

Another thing occurs during the voyage. Molly 
makes a discovery. It is entirely an accident and 
puts Joe to no end of confusion ; but he finds him- 
self in for it, and makes the best of a dilemma. 

This event is nothing more or less than a com- 
plete explosion of his secret, which is shattered one 
bright morning. All of them are seated upon deck, 
when the conversation turns upon the odd pipes of 
nations, and Molly, who is making a collection of 
these things, declares that she has never yet run 
across a Persian kalian, or water pipe ; whereupon 
Joe, Avithout reflection, declares that he has one in 


208 


MYNHEER JOE. 


his luggage to which she is welcome, beckons the 
ever-hovering Kassee and gives him an order. 

When the Hindoo, a few minutes later, lays in the 
hand of the fair American girl the object mentioned, 
she returns her thanks in no stinted tones, for the 
smoking apparatus is a beauty, jeweled and fit for 
the use of a king. 

They are talking of the Persians, and Joe is nar- 
rating some queer scenes he has witnessed in that 
country, when an exclamation breaks upon their 
hearing. It comes from Molly, and, as they turn 
toward her, they find her gazing with distended 
eyes at the article she holds. 

Mynheer Joe suddenly realizes the truth. A tide 
of crimson flushes his face, and he hastily moves 
away from the party, going to the side of the vessel. 

“ What is it?” asks Demosthenes Tanner, who 
sees that something unusual has occurred. 

“ Listen !” 

Then Molly, still holding the odd water pipe, set 
with precious stones, reads : 

“‘A present from the Shah of Persia to his friend, Joseph 
Miner Carringford. 1884.’ ” 

Demosthenes is not blind or dumb. He can see a 
pretty good-sized rat now. 

“What! Mynheer Joe the very party we have 
been scouring the earth after? Bless my soul, 
now, this is an odd occurrence ! I can hardly believe 
my senses. Are you sure, child ?” 

“ Read for yourself, governor. And if that isn’t 
enough, what do you think of his actions? It is 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


209 


quite evident he forgot there was an inscription on 
this pipe.” 

With that, the young lady leaves her chair, and 
in another moment gains the side of the traveller, 
who leans over the rail looking at the flashing green 
water; her hand falls lightly on his arm and sends 
a mighty thrill, like a shock of electricity, to his 
heart. 

“ Give an account of yourself. Mynheer Joe,” she 
says, gravely ; and turning, he looks into her clear 
eyes, smiles and finally laughs. 

“ Really, 1 do owe 3 "ou an explanation. Miss 
Molly. Since the cat is out of the bag now, I am 
willing to confess all.” 

So he tells her what is necessary, and Molly 
drinks it all in with eagerness. It sets her heart to 
beating wildly at ^the thought that this hero, the 
man who has saved her life and been with the 
devoted Gordon at Khartoom, should of all persons 
prove to be the Joseph Carringford whom she seeks, 
the missing heir, whose^ inheritance will fall to her 
in case he fails to materialize within a limited time. 

It is both singular and romantic, and how can she 
help weaving delightful theories and plans out of 
the woof thus begun. 

After that, her manner toward Joe changes. 

He marks it himself, and at first marvels at the 
fact, for although a campaigner who has seen much 
of the world, M^mheer Joe is really a novice in all 
that pertains to love. 

Molly has taken upon herself a new reserve. She 
treats him, not rudely, but with the manner of a lady 
on her dignity. The poor fellow is on nettles, so to 


210 


MYNHEER JOE. 


speak. Has he done anything to offend this giri, 
for whose love he stands ready to peril his life if 
need be ? 

It is only the day before they reach Bombay that 
he gains an inkling of the truth. It comes from Mr. 
Grimes, who has been keeping his eyes open all this 
while, and is able to gauge the state of affairs. 

To him Joe goes for advice; he has learned to 
respect the other greatly, and this matter is of so 
much importance to him that he can afford to take 
no risks. 

Consolation is given to him. When, through vari- 
ous questions, he learns all that has happened, Mr. 
Grimes smiles serenely. 

“Easy as falling off a log, my boy. Don’t believe 
Miss Molly cares the less for you since learning your 
identity. The truth is she thinks even more of Joe 
Carringford than she did of Mynheer Joe, and the 
consciousness of that fact has alarmed her. I know 
the symptoms well, my boy. She fears lest she may 
show her love — that it may look as though she were 
trying to win the heir. Depend upon it, m}^ dear 
fellow, all you have to do is to boldly storm the 
citadel, and the prize is yours.” 

This kind of talk cheers Joe up. He gulps down 
the lump in his throat and looks relieved. 

“ I really feared I had lost her through some 
blunder on my part,” he admits, shaking the hand of 
his good friend and adviser. 

“Nonsense! You were never so near victory in 
your life. The trouble is your battles have never 
been fought upon the field of love, and you don’t 
understand the signs of distress. 1 ’m an older man 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


211 


than you, Joe ; take my advice, strike at the first 
favorable opportunity, and the blessings of Heaven 
attend you and yours.” 

Thus matters stand when the Alhambra comes to 
anchor before the great and wonderful city of Bom- 
bay, with its three-quarters of a million inhabitants 
— Europeans, Hindoos, Mohammedans, Parsees, 
Christians, Buddhists, Jews, etc. — one of the most 
delightfully interesting cities upon the face of the 
earth. 

As soon as it is possible, the whole party, with 
their luggage, are transferred to the shore, where 
vehicles are secured to take them to a hotel. 

These native shigrams, or, as they are generally 
called, palkee gharries^ are peculiarly built affairs. 
They look like an oblong, black box with four 
wheels; a sliding door is on either ^side, and there 
are also windows. Two seats face each other, and 
the whole equipage is drawn by a couple of sturdy 
bulls of the species used in India for nearly every 
purpose, decked in showy blankets, with a driver 
to walk alongside and urge them on. 

Mynheer Joe knows where to go. He has been 
in Bombay before, and the rest may now profit by 
his experience. 

A small hotel is to be found among the bunga- 
lows of the rich foreigners and Parsee bankers upon 
Malabar Hill, a suburb of a charming character, 
where the grounds of nearly every house are so 
filled with cypress, and banyan-trees, cocoanut- 
palms and tropical vegetation, such as plantains, 
guavas, custard-apples and the like, that the build- 
ing can rarely be seen over the wall. There is 


212 


MYNHEER JOE. 


also a cool fountain splashing in every yard, which 
adds to the beauty of the scene. 

At the hotel they managed to find accommodations, 
and Mynheer Joe even hires what little space there 
is to spare. The wisdom of this is made apparent 
when, later, :x^palkee gharry arrives, bearing the 
baron and his companions, who are compelled to go 
back into the city and seek accommodations at one 
of the leading hotels, near the Esplanade, where the 
government buildings are to be found. 

Molly’s first act is to secure a lady’s-maid, for 
in this enervating climate one does as little as pos- 
sible, and an ayah is almost indispensable to the com- 
fort. of my lady, fanning her, dressing her hair and 
doing worlds of small things. 

The gentlemen, of course, fall in with the customs 
of the country at once, and soon appear dressed in 
white, with shakos upon their heads. 

Mynheer Joe presently makes his way to the bar- 
racks, known as cantonment in this tropical country. 
He has business with an officer whom he hopes to 
find in Bombay. Disappointment awaits him, since 
the party in question is at present away. His return 
from Benares is daily expected — Benares, the sacred 
city, where one of the yearly inelas, or religious 
fairs, that draw thousands of pilgrims anxious to 
wash in the waters and be made well, is in progress. 
So Joe can only await his coming. Meanwhile, 
there is no reason why he should not be enjoying 
the passage of time.- 

When he contemplates the pleasure with which 
he will show Molly over this peculiar city of the 
Hindoos, gazing upon its many strange sights, he 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


213 


finds no reason to feel down-hearted over the 
matter. 

^ He knows it all like a book, from the Towers of 
Silence on the hill, where the Parsees bring thieir 
dead for the vultures to prey upon, to the horse- 
markets, where sit, cross-legged, Persians wearing 
their blue or green 'cotton kuftans, belted at the 
waist, and smoking their kalians, together with more 
active Arabians, with their striped mantles and silk 
kafeeyas, or tasselled handkerchiefs, twisted about 
their heads, all having horses for sale, that have 
been brought by sea from the land of Mocha. 

The mysteries of the native quarter are well 
known to this man who has travelled, and he is 
almost as much at home among the shops and bazars 
of the famous Bhendy Bazar Road as on Broadway, 
New York. 

Thus, the party can in a measure be free from the 
t3’ranny of the chowkidar, or guide, although they 
secure several of these illustrious personages to be 
useful. They are ready to do almost anything, even 
to waiting on the table or pulling the cord of the 
great punka fan that keeps the air cool at meal-times. 

As in almost every part of the globe, the travel- 
lers find money an important factor to bring com- 
fort, and the mighty rupee in Bombay will go far 
toward making one’s stay a round of pleasure. 

The weather is delightful, and it looks as if our 
travellers from the Nile may have a very pleasant 
stay in Bombay. Sometimes coming events do not 
cast a shadow before. The cyclone may burst upon 
a community with startling rapidity. Perhaps these 
good folks who have malice in their hearts toward 


214 


MYNHEER JOE. 


none may yet be surprised by the sudden and awful 
coming of a storm. As the dreaded monsoon sweeps 
across the Indian Ocean at certain times, bringing 
ruin in its path, so the hatred of one man may leave 
a trail of desolation behind, especially when that 
man is as unscrupulous as the Russian baron who 
comes to India in the interest of his czar, whose 
covetous eyes have long yearned to possess the 
rich country of the Indus and the Ganges. 

One there is among them who sleeps with part of 
his senses on the alert — the man whose business has 
been such that he trusts not to seeming peaceful 
surroundings — Obed Grimes will hardly be caught 
napping when the blow finally falls. 

Sandy is alive to his opportunity, and endeavors 
to see as much in a limited time as he possibly can. 
He takes copious notes in shorthand as he goes, 
which later on will be written out in the shape of 
spicy letters to the wide-awake New York journal 
by whom he is employed. 

In company with Demosthenes Tanner and a 
chowkidar or two, he proceeds to take in as much of 
Bombay as can be done during a single afternoon. 

They visit the Towers of Silence, enter magnifi- 
cent bazars, watch the worshipers in the mosques, 
where the moulajee chants in a harsh voice 

or reads the Koran, while the devout Mussulmans 
bow in the direction of the setting sun, for Mecca 
lies thither, far away over the Persian Gulf. They 
see life upon the great Bhendy Bazar Road, where 
porters carry loads, stately elephants are occasionally 
met, bullocks draw native vehicles ; where stride the 
rich Brahmin, the poor gwalla, or cow-herder, the 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


215 


lordly rajah?iXidi his attendants, and the lower grades 
of Hindoo people, of different castes, each picking 
his or her way along without touching others, which 
faculty makes a crowd in India more endurable 
than in any other place on earth. 

All these things and others they see. The eyes 
never tire of watching the human kaliedoscope that 
moves and changes before him. In no other city on 
earth can this peculiar spectacle be met with in so 
intense a form as Bombay. Mingling with the col- 
ored robes of the natives, the white or red coats of 
the British soldiers remind one of a stupendous fact 
— that India, containing about a quarter of the pop- 
ulation of the globe, is in reality ruled by some 
thirty ' thousand British soldiers. Truly the Hin- 
doos are a peace-loving people. No warlike nation 
would thus tamely bear the yoke of the conqueror. 

While Sandy and the Honorable Demosthenes 
Tanner are thus taking in the sights, Mr. Grimes 
nurses a lame ankle at the hotel. This leaves Myn- 
heer Joe to show Molly about. 

They have a very enjoyable afternoon, though it 
is just possible they are as much wrapped up in 
each other as interested in the singular sights upon 
which they gaze. This is only the same old story, 
with variations, that has been told since the days of 
our first parents, and which will never be anti- 
quated. Love’s young dream ! What an ecstasy 
it carries. No time in future life can compare 
with it. 

It is near the close of the day, when they are think- 
ing of returning to the hotel that they arrive in front 
of a large mosque. Many persons are passing in 


216 


MYNHEER JOE. 


and out, for worship is carried on at all hours among 
the Mohammedans. 

“ Let us look in,” says Joe. “ I think it will repay 
you for the trouble.” 

He pays no attention to a frowning Hindoo near 
the door, but soon sees that they will not allow his 
companion to pass. This mosque is just as sacred 
as the highest at Mecca. The followers of Moham- 
med believe so little in women having a soul like 
themselves that they deprive them of many privi- 
leges. They are deemed servants, slaves, or, if par- 
ticularly beautiful, fit subjects for a harem. 

Thus foiled, Mynheer Joe and his fair charge turn 
away, laughing. They do not seem to feel very 
badly over the matter. True, the young woman’s 
curiosity is piqued, but there are so many things to 
be seen in the quaint city that it need not worry one 
if a single door is shut in one’s face. 

It is just at this moment that they become aware 
of something out of the ordinary in the air. Molly 
shivers. 

“ Are we going to have a storm ? I feel so very 
queer!” she remarks; while Joe looks upward in a 
thoughtful manner. 

“Now that you mention it, I myself am conscious 
of a strange sensation. Perhaps it comes from being 
on firm land after two weeks and more on shipboard ; 
or it may be that crowd yonder has something to do 
with it.” 

His words draw her attention down the Bhendy 
Bazar Road. Sure enough, a crowd does seem to 
be advancing. Something in the way of excitement 


TROUBLE ON THE ROAD. 


217 


reigns in that quarter, and Joe, always on the alert, 
strains his e^’es to make out what it is all about. 

“ Listen !" cries Molly. 

She stands there like a statue, with her head 
poised, just as the beautiful deer might hearken in 
suspense when the distant blast of the huntsman’s 
horn echoes through the forest. 

The breeze is light, but it chances to come from a 
favorable quarter, where the people are seen; and 
now they can catch voices raised in deep anger, bel- 
lowing forth angry words. 

“ Listen ! Oh, Mr. Joe, it ’s the governor !” cries 
the alarmed girl at his side. 

Sure enough. Mynheer Joe has occasion to jump 
to that conclusion himself, for that roar as of a bull 
cannot possibly come from any one else. He looks 
closer, and discovers that two figures fly in front of 
the crowd, one tall and immense in stature, the other 
rather diminutive — in short, the fugitives can be no 
other than Mr. Tanner and Sandy. 

What sort of a mess have they gotten into now? 
The pursuers seem determined to wreak vengeance 
upon them, and it looks serious, for when once ex- 
cited these Mohammedans and disciples of Vishnu 
are hard to control ; an insult to saint or god is very 
apt to be followed by speedy vengeance upon the 
head of the thoughtless offender, for these Mussul- 
mans and idolaters are more touchy about their 
religion than true believers. 

“ Come,” mutters Joe, uneasily, “ this looks like a 
serious business. It they overtake them I ’m afraid 
murder will follow. Too bad! What have they 
been doing? Is this any work of that rascally Rus- 


218 


MYNHEER JOE. 


sian? Never mind crying^ over spilt milk. The 
only thing to be done is to save them — but how !” 

That is the rub — how ? 

Mynheer Joe has to think quickly, for the crowd 
surges nearer with every minute. He has an idea 
which promises at least some hopes for success. 

If he can delay matters — keep the enemies from 
coming into personal contact for a little while — all 
may be well. 

“ Molly !*' he says quickly. 

“ Yes, Joe,” she replies. 

In times like these etiquette is forgotten. 

“It is your father’s life that is in peril. I will be 
able to hold them in check for a time. Will you 
dare something for his sake?” 

“ Yes, yes ! Only tell me !” she gasps. 

“ Run as fast as you can to yonder corner ; then 
down the street to the left until you come to the 
cantonment. Tell Colonel O’Brien it is Mynheer 
Joe who is in danger. He will send troops on the 
double-quick.” 

She turns and flits from the spot like a gleam of 
light. Mynheer Joe has his attention at once occu- 
pied hy the rush. Panting and holding each a 
revolver in his hand, Sandy and the Western orator 
rush up. Then Mynheer Joe stands out between 
them and the mob of angry Hindoos. He raises his 
hand, and, with the gesture of one born to command 
thunders out in their tongue the word : 

“ Stop !” 


CHAPTER XVUI. 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 

The natives are very much wrought up by some- 
thing that has occurred. It does not take a great 
deal to excite a crowd of Hindoos, especially if they 
are engaged in worship. Any indignity to their 
god or the mosque wherein every object is sacred 
to them, whether the insult is real or fancied, will 
bring them around like a swarm of bees, eager for 
the blood of the transgressor. 

Mynheer Joe knows this full well, and judging 
from the excitable condition of the crowd, fears that 
his friends have been unwise in doing something. 

The Hindoos cease to advance. This word, 
spoken in their native tongue, tells them that the 
other is a master. He personality is great. He 
checks their desire to reach out their hands and 
clutch their intended victims. 

Eager dark faces, shining out from under varicol- 

[219] 


220 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ored turbans, greet the view, some bearded, others 
smooth. Two dozen pairs of black eyes are focused 
intently upon one point, and this the countenance of 
Mynheer Joe. He holds them as if by some magic. 
They are swayed in a measure by his mind. It is 
the power of one will over others. 

“ What does this mean?’' he asks. 

A dozen voices endeavor to answer him. The 
babel is such that he cannot understand. He waves 
his hand with authority. 

“ Stop !” 

Then he selects one who seems to be more intelli- 
gent than his fellows, as his face is crowned by gray 
hair and beard. 

“ Let this man tell me all,” he says. 

They push him forward as spokesman, a posi- 
tion he is eminently fitted to fill. 

“It is plain. It is simple. We were worshiping 
in our temple before Vishnu. No man dares enter 
there with hisshoeson. Suddenly we hear a terrible 
noise, and these two foreignd evils jump in through 
the window. That is a deadly insult to our god. We 
burn to avenge it. We chase theinglese here. We 
demand satisfaction. Vishnu will have revenge. 
Their blood must wipe out the insult. That is all.” 

Murmurs of applause arise as the old Hindoo fin- 
ishes his little speech. Mynheer Joe sees that it is 
as he feared. These people must be handled with 
gloves in all that pertains to their religion. 

“ Now hear me. You are fair and just. It is only 
right both sides should explain. Your god has been 
insulted. 1 believe it was an accident on the part of 
my friends, for they do not go around insulting 


STREET LIFE AMONCf THE HINDOOS. 


221 


honest worshipers. I shall hear their story and re- 
peat it to you. Then we will see if this trouble may 
not be averted.” 

His manner pleases them, for they feel he is an 
honest man. So Mynheer Joe turns to his friends 
and begs Sandy to explain, which that worthy does 
in an excited manner, accompanying his words with 
gestures. 

The traveller smiles, for he sees the situation is 
not so bad as he feared. He speaks to Demosthenes 
Tanner,, who eagerly agrees to his proposition. 
Then once more the friend of Gordon faces the 
eager, attentive crowd, and proceeds to get his 
friends out of this scrape into which their lack of 
due caution has thrown them. 

“Listen !” he says, sharply, and the muttering in 
the air ceases as if by magic. “ It is, as 1 believed, 
an accident. My friends had no desire to disturb 
you in your worship, or to insult your great god 
Vishnu. With reverence they were looking in 
through a window, standing upon a platform, when 
one end of it gave way and precipitated them 
through the opening. They could not explain mat- 
ters because they are unable to talk in your tongue, 
so the best they could do was to retreat. My stout 
friend is particularly grieved that such a thing has 
occurred. He desires to make restitution as far as 
possible. Let the high priest come forward and ac- 
cept a handful of rupees. That will prove their 
friendship.” 

The point is well taken, and Joe knows their 
weakness. Immediately a hubbub arises. Most of 
the crowd seem to be in favor of an eager accept- 


222 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ance. A few demur, but they are so much in the 
minority that they are speedily snowed under, and 
the moulajee comes forward to receive the promised 
rupees, a venerable man, who resembles the priest 
Joe saw in the mosque, though it cannot be the 
same. 

Mynheer Joe has been careful to keep back a por- 
tion of the truth, because he fears lest it create new 
trouble. At the time of the sudden disaster, Sandy 
has been just putting the finishing touches to a pic- 
ture of the ugly old idol Vishnu, and he has managed 
to retain his precious notebook through all the dis- 
turbance. 

The humor of the crowd has changed as wonder- 
fully as upon many a similar occasion, for there is 
nothing more fickle upon earth than a mob. The 
worshipers of old Vishnu are now eager to call the 
Americans their friends, though it is all done by 
word or gesture. Hand-shaking is generally tabooed 
in India, for a man fears lest he lose caste by touch- 
ing another and have to inflict punishment on him- 
self as a penalty. 

Just at this moment there bursts into view a 
detachment of Sepoys, headed by a British officer, 
at whose side runs brave Molly Tanner. They come 
from the cantonment, and it is evident the colonel 
did not hesitate a moment when he learned that 
Mynheer Joe was in danger. 

Of course, all are relieved when they see the three 
Americans uninjured and mark the change in the 
humor of the crowd. Molly cannot understand it, 
and as she affectionately greets her father she asks: 

“What is this? One time these men seem eager 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 


m 


to murder you, and now they act as though on the 
best of terms!” 

Demosthenes Tanner, still blowing hard from the 
effects of his wild run, jerks his thumb over his 
shoulder and remarks : 

“ It 's all owing to Mynheer Joe. He palavered 
the heathen and made them believe we were doing 
their old god a real favor when we tumbled into the 
temple through the window, after the beastly plat- 
form gave way.” 

“ Indeed ! He seems a wonderful man, governor,” 
murmurs the girl, stealing a look at the object of 
her thoughts, who, just then, is engaged in conver- 
sation with the British officer, explaining the cause 
of the sensation. 

“ Yes, my dear child. Such logic as he possesses 
would even enthuse the Illinois senate. Why, unless 
you 're on your guard, he can easily bring you 
around to his way of thinking and make you believe 
black is white.” 

The girl turns her head away again, this time to 
hide her rosy cheeks ; she blushes without hardly 
knowing why, save that there is something in her 
father's manner of speaking that seems like a sly 
allusion and warning to herself. Love is very sen- 
sitive, especially at that stage where the modest 
young woman awakens to the condition of her own 
heart, and the backward young man has not yet 
gathered courage enough to storm the citadel which 
he hopes to capture. 

As the crowd rapidly increases, with evening 
coming on apace, it is deemed best to leave the 
scene and retire. The soldiers right about face and 


224 


MYNHEER JOE. 


head back toward the cantonment after the four 
Americans have entered a palkee gharry and started 
for their hotel. . 

Mynheer Joe decides that the baron can hardly be 
lield accountable for this affair, since no stretch of 
the imagination could invest him with the power to 
weaken the platform and hurl the two adventurous 
lookers-on in Venice through the window of the 
temple of Vishnu. 

As the incident has really been productive of no 
more ill than relieving Tanner’s pocket of so many 
rupees, which he can easily afford to offer at the 
shrine of the idol, they feel that they can well afford 
to laugh over the adventure now. 

This is especially the case when, after Joe has 
eloquently translated his speech and told how he 
praised the beauties of Vishnu, Sandy passes his note- 
book to Molly, and her eyes fall upon the well-exe- 
cuted facsimile of the hideous idol these benighted 
people worship. 

Her laughter breaks forth like rippling water, and 
the deep bass of the governor joins in the tide. 

Passers-by turn and survey the shigra7n with 
amazement, as though wondering what manner of 
passengers it contains. 

They reach the snug little hotel as night is casting 
her mantle over Bomba}". A young moon nearing 
the half-way stage hangs high in the heavens, prov- 
ing that it will not be dark at least. 

Thus their first day in India has passed, and, as 
we have seen, it has not been without its adventure. 
If the record is kept up, their stay in Bombay must 
be an eventful one. 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 225 

One of Joe’s first duties upon visiting the bar- 
racks is to deliver a message from the commandant 
at Cairo, which probably contains information 
respecting Baron Popoff ; for the officer who reads 
it looks very grave and asks the American many 
questions concerning the doings of the Russian, 
which Joe, fortunately, is in a position to answer. 

At this time, England is greatly disturbed over 
the actions of Russia’s ruler. He is said to be mak- 
ing preparations for pushing south through the 
Afghan territory to a point where his troops will 
be knocking at the door of India. A great railroad 
is about to be built for strategic purposes, and no 
one positively knows where it is aimed at — meaning 
no British subject. 

Hence, the appearance of a shrewd Russian diplo- 
mat and secret agent, like the baron, upon the soil 
of India, is likely to create a sensation. His name 
has been connected with numerous unscrupulous 
political moves in Bulgaria and Roumania and all 
along the Balkans, so that it long ago became thor- 
oughly known to all the reading world. Those 
who watch the moves upon the chess-board of 
Europe can see deep purpose in every action, how- 
ever careless it may appear to the casual looker-on. 

Those officers stationed in India have, of course, 
a peculiar interest in everything the White Czar 
does. They are threatened by no other nation. 
France is busy in Tonquin and Algiers ; Germany 
in Central Africa ; Italy in Abyssinia, while Aus- 
tria has no foreign policy, and Spain is concerned 
almost wholly in her West India possessions. It is 
Russia who stretches her vast domains across from 


226 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Atlantic to Pacific, and yearns to reach the Indian 
Ocean as well. Year after year she placates the 
tribes en route, slowly but surely stretching her hand 
nearer the prize. The day will certainly come when 
the fiercest war Asia has ever known will be fought 
on neutral territory between these two giants. 
One has only to travel to India by the overland 
route, via Herat, to see the evidences of Russian en. 
croachment. Almost up to the gates of India the 
traveller finds, here and there along the road, Rus- 
sian robats, or small wayside houses of refuge, 
erected through charity, where the weary pilgrim 
can pass a night without any charge for the shelter. 

No reasonable man doubts that England must 
some day be prepared to fight for her Indian em- 
pire ; nor is there any reason to believe but that she 
will be able to hold her own against that cunning 
foe who would creep in at the back door while the 
mistress is engaged in sweeping and garnishing the 
front of the house. 

Whatever may be the mission of the baron to 
India, now that his presence is known, it is not 
likely that he will be allowed to go about without 
some sort of secret espionage. 

When the evening meal has been disposed of, 
Sandy and Mynheer Joe decide to see what Bom- 
bay looks like after nightfall. So they dress as 
quietly as possible, not forgetting to carry their 
firearms, as there must always be a certain amount 
of danger traversing the streets alone. 

Mr. Grimes hopes to be all right by morning, 
but thinks he had better rest until then. Molly 
complains of a headache, probably the result of her 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 


227 


exciting race for assistance, and begs to be excused. 
This has an influence upon Mynheer Joe in induc- 
ing him to accept Sandy’s proposal that they take a 
stroll, for he has no desire to spend the evening 
alone, Demosthenes complaining of bruises received 
in his tumble, which he wishes to bathe. 

Peace reigns in the neighborhood of the little 
hostelry near the foot of Malabar Hill, save in one 
quarter. Joe draws the attention of his artist-cor- 
respondent comrade to the rear of the hotel, whence 
loud voices of discussion come. The row seems to 
be between the bobajee and a mussaljee under him. 
The cook berates the scullion, and the latter assumes 
a ridiculously dramatic attitude, with his head 
cocked on one side. Sandy eagerly takes it in. If 
he could only reproduce that scene on paper, it 
would be a dandy. At any rate, his memory is 
good, and he may succeed. 

As they walk on in the soft, balmy moonlight, the 
angry voice of the bobajee continues to float after 
him. Finally there is a hubbub, and they know he 
has launched forth other arguments than mere 
words. 

It is not long before they have reached the native 
quarter. Perhaps some unusual festival is taking 
place ; at any rate, the shops and bazars are lighted 
up and throngs are on the street. As in the densely 
populated cities of China, the people of Bombay 
seem to have no particular time of rest, unless dur- 
ing the hot part of the day their enthusiasm dwindles 
to a low peg. Night’s cooling breezes bring them 
all out-of-doors, and the noise reminds a traveller of 
carnival time in Rome. 


228 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Lanterns of every color, made of paper or muslin, 
hang about the streets and in the shops, sending a 
strange light upon the picturesque crowd. Sandy’s 
artistic soul is charmed by the spectacle. He seems 
to never tire of drinking it in, no detail escaping his 
eye, and all the while he utters exclamations that 
are indicative of his rapture. 

As for Mynheer Joe, he is more reserved in his 
manner, and yet enjoys the sight almost as well as 
the correspondent. 

They seem to excite no curiosity as they move 
along. The natives are accustomed to meeting 
English-speaking people at all turns ; slowly but 
surely they are leaving the ways of their ancestors, 
already more than two million having become 
Christians. 

England allows full freedom of worship. The 
only things she set her iron heel upon were some 
barbarous customs, such as the juggernaut-car and 
its slaughter, the putting to death of widows when 
the head of a family died, and like practices, for 
which Brahmins, Parsees and Mussulmans alike 
have actually become thankful, as these things were 
relics of ancient barbarism that clung to the coun- 
try. 

Such sights the two travellers look upon — here is 
a retail grocery with many odd things upon the 
shelves, and the queerest object about the placens 
probably the hanija himself ; indeed, Joe declares he 
must be a natural clown from his dress, while Sandy 
berates himself for not having one of the new style 
little cameras with him, by means of which he could 
secure a masterpiece for a subject. 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 


229 


Next door is a shelf-like shop, where all manner 
of bric-h-brac may be found, anything that is bizarre 
having a place, and the Hindoo proprietor, smok- 
ing his hubble-bubble nods wearily over his Koran. 

Here are some snake-charmers, such as exhibited 
their tricks and horrid pets upon the square of 
Esbehiyeh, in Cairo. Then comes a merry fakir, 
known as a bickharrie here, shouting out his wares. 
Next we have some mountebank athletes, perform- 
ing wonderful feats in agility, with perhaps a wizard 
who can make a tree grow in the middle of the 
street, with full-sized leaves and birds singing in the 
branches ; while it is not uncommon to run across 
a group of howling dervishes, who take the place 
of our New York little German band, making 
night hideous in a certain locality, passing the hat 
around, and then forced to move on by indignant 
shopkeepers, who are glad to buy them off. 

All of these sights and many more can be seen 
around the streets of Bombay. Occasionally an 
elephant looms up, but these animals are found 
more in the interior. Of monkeys there is no end. 
One need not be at all surprised to feel his hat sud- 
denly jerked from his head, and, looking up, see an 
agile fellow climbing to the top of a house with it. 
Then the monkey-police have to be summoned and 
various maneuvers resorted to in order to recover 
the lost headgear. 

One wonders why these things are allowed until 
he discovers that the Hindoos, as a class, are 
believers in theosophy. They look upon these 
animals as unfortunate human beings undergoing 
punishment for some past. 


230 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Thus there are many things going on all the time 
in this strange city. One need never grow weary 
with seeing the same sights, since there is a con- 
stant variation. The blending of bright colors in the 
shifting panorama is what pleases Sandy most of all, 
and he is ever on the watch for a new variety of 
turban, of which there seems to be an endless 
number. 

Mynheer Joe has given Kassee the freedom of the 
city during their stay, well knowing that the intel- 
ligent Hindoo will not abuse the privilege. As 
Kassee has been informed concerning the baron and 
his ways, it may be presumed that he will keep a 
jealous eye upon the Russian. This is what Joe 
wishes, for he knows that, as a spy, his servant has 
no superior. 

To the surprise of the traveller they discover this 
same Kassee walking along the street in company 
with another Hindoo, and both of them seem to be 
in rather a convivial frame of mind. 

The servant happens to catch his master’s eye, 
and makes a rapid hand-signal that gives Joe solid 
satisfaction, since it tells him that the other is on 
the alert, and means something by his actions. 

Sandy does not see this side-show. He is eagerly 
taking in the sights, and as they have now reached 
a portion of the grand-bazar street where the lights 
are more plentiful, and the shops present the finest 
appearance, it is really worth his time to observe 
these things. 

Here is a sannar, or goldsmith, displaying his 
quaint wares in a most attractive form, and by elo- 
quent silence inviting the passers-by to purchase. 


STREET LIFE AMONG THE HINDOOS. 


231 


Then there are curiosity shops where a thousand 
and one queer things have been gathered from the 
four ends of the earth. Perhaps the next place will 
belong to a mosaic worker, and his shop is certainly 
a model of neatness. 

At a turbanmaker’s Sandy stops some time to see 
the yards of costly cloth twisted into odd shapes, 
each tuft being afterward pointed with gold or silver 
cloth. These turbans are the delight of the Hin- 
doos, and the man who has a new shape is the envied 
of his fellows. 

After this comes a variety of shops, from silver- 
smith’s down to the durzee s, or tailor’s. Our friends 
take it in, and will never in all likelihood forget the 
sights their eyes rest upon. The crowd is such a 
good-natured one and, most delightful of all, does 
not push and surge as crowds generally do. In their 
long walk the two friends do not remember having 
touched but one man, who stumbled against them 
and then rushed away as if filled with alarm. Sandy, 
recognizing an old game of the thieves in London 
and Paris, at once looks to see if his watch is all 
right, and upon finding it so is relieved. 

“ Well,” remarks Mynheer Joe, at last, “ the hour 
is late. Have you seen enough for one night, old 
fellow ?” 

Sandy nods. 

“ My head is crammed full of ideas, which I must 
put into some shape before I sleep. This has been 
a revelation to me, Joe. I never before saw such 
life as old Bombay presents. Think of the rough 
sketches I ’ve already drawn— the weird Towers of 
Silence, that wonderful burial-place of the Brahmins 


232 


MYNHEER JOE. 


— that magnificent statue out on the avenue — the 
Parsee broker — what *s his name?” 

“ Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy,” smiles Joe. 

“ Drops from your tongue like oil, old fellow. I 
must practice on these names. About the sketches : 
1 have the harbor, the strange coasting-craft you 
pointed out, a patamar with its two masts, the small 
rakish manche and the long, narrow felucca with its 
lateen sails. Besides, I Ve got glimpses of mosques, 
that lovely idol and an array of such things, to say 
nothing of the ideas now in my head which, roughly 
drawn, will fill pages in the note-book. Yes, 1 ’m in 
clover, Joe, and I — ” 

Mynheer Joe has left his side, which fact causes 
the voluble Sandy to turn around. He discovers 
his companion talking earnestly with a Hindoo, and, 
looking more closely, recognizes Kassee, whose 
brown face is very serious, and whose whole manner 
proclaims that there is trouble brooding in the air 
for the Americans in Bombay. 





CHAPTER XIX. 

THE FATAL THIRTEEN. 

Sandy chances to be a wise little fellow, and 
evinces no surprise at the state of affairs.* He 
guesses instinctively that Kassee has made a dis- 
covery of some importance, and is now communicat- 
ing the result of his work to the master he loves so 
well. 

Somehow it seems quite natural that they should 
get into a tangle, that mystery should crop up 
around them. They are surrounded by strange 
scenes, which the human mind could hardly imagine 
without a positive experience. The very air of India 
seems to breathe of mystery, as though it were im- 
pregnated with it. 

He watches Mynheer Joe and the Hindoo with 
considerable curiosity, while keeping an eye upon 
the crowd near by, as if seeking to discover whether 
any one else is interested in them. 

Joe now appears to be questioning his faithful 
servitor, as though he has heard it all and knows 

[233] 


234 


MYNHEER JOE. 


that it is serious. At the same time he does not 
exhibit alarm, for his experience has been great in 
the past, and he knows how to preserve his mental 
equilibrium in the face of the most astounding diffi- 
culties. 

“ Ten to one it ’s all on account of that miserable 
Russian. I expected to hear from him again. What 
in the deuce is the sly rascal up to now?” mutters 
the correspondent, as he twirls his cigar between 
finger and thumb and keeps his eyes fastened upon 
his friend. 

He sees Joe look around him, as though seeking 
the danger of which he has been warned. Then 
their eyes meet. The traveller cannot help but note 
the eager look upon the face of Sandy. He smiles 
and beckons to him. 

This, of course, means that he is to be in it ; and 
as the correspondent usually manages, by hook or 
crook, to get there, he feels satisfied that matters 
are shaping themselves all right. It suits him to 
meet difficulties as they fly. Sandy was never 
known to turn his back on the foe. 

With his curiosity aroused to a most intense pitch, 
the correspondent, therefore, advances to the fray. 
He casts a keen glance at the face of Mynheer Joe, 
but that worthy shows little of the emotions that 
may lie deeply hidden under the calm exterior. 

Thus Sandy draws up alongside of his friend and 
awaits the communication that is to decide a 
momentous epoch in their lives ; nor is it long in 
forthcoming. 

“ Well, the baron has been at work, Sandy,” 
remarks Joe, with a peculiar smile. “ I knew he 


THE FATAL THIRTEEN. 


235 


would not be long in Bombay without attempting 
some manner of evil against us, particularly myself, 
for whom he entertains no great love, you under- 
stand.” 

Sandy nods his head in that vigorous, thoughtful 
way of his, more eloquent than words. 

Kassee fortunately has had his eyes open and 
been able to discover what is going on. Only for 
that we might have been taken unawares, and seri- 
ous consequences have resulted.” 

Sandy pricks up his ears, and his itching hand 
makes a movement in the direction of the pocket 
where he keeps his note-book, as though this may 
be some news that concerns the general public ; but 
he remembers in time, and forbears. With a smile 
at his action, the traveller continues : 

“ He has had men in sympathy with him right here 
under the noses of the British officials in Bombay, 
strange though it may appear to you. Perhaps 
there is something rotten in the state of Denmark, 
and England may awaken some day to find a won- 
derful uprising in the heart of her rich Indian pos- 
sessions, or 1 ’m no prophet, unless — ” 

“ Well,” remarks Sandy, solemnly, when his friend 
comes to this pause, significant in itself, “ unless 
what, friend Josephus?” 

“The conspiracy is nipped in the bud. This can 
be done by the overthrow of Baron Popoff now.” 

“ By Jove, what a pity you were not a subject of 
the queen, Joe !” grunts Sandy. 

“ Why so, old man ?” 

“ Under such circumstances you would have seen 
your duty clearly ; at the time you fought that duel 


236 


MYNHEER JOE. 


with the baron, your sword could and would have 
nipped this Russian conspiracy in the bud, by end- 
ing the baron on the banks of the Nile. If his body 
were resting in one of those ancient tombs among 
the hills of Mokkatam, Popoff would not be able to 
arouse the people of this benighted country to rise 
against their British masters and throw off the yoke 
of England in order to assume one much more gall- 
ing — that of the White Czar.” 

Mynheer Joe thoughtfully rubs the end of his 
nose, as though by that operation he might arouse 
his thinking faculties. Then he turns with a smile 
upon his friend. 

“I begin to see you were right, my dear boy. 
That mistake may cause me no end of trouble, and 
yet something held my hand when I had the cliance 
to finish the baron. It is beyond me to explain the 
feeling that came over me. I only know it existed. 
You’ve seen just such periods in your own life, 
when a power controlled your actions. Let that go. 
What I want to tell you now concerns us both, since 
you appear to be in the same ship as myself. In ten 
hours the Russian has formed a plan of action to 
bring about our destruction. We are in the web !” 

He says this as coolly as though asking for fire on 
account of a neglected cigar ; not the least trace of 
emotion can be detected in his voice. One would 
not imagine that he refers to their lives being in 
jeopardy through this plot of the baron’s. 

As for Sandy, he shows that he can take the mat- 
ter just as coolly. Even if the enemy be near, ad- 
vancing on the double-quick, so to speak, that is no 


THE FATAL THIRTEEN. 


237 


reason a man of nerve should be rattled and lose his 
presence of mind. 

“Ah! Couple of foolish flies, eh? The bloated 
old spider: has managed to spin a web around us 
while we ’ve been taking in the sights of Bombay. 
Is that the trick, Joe?” he remarks. 

“ Something in that strain, you ’ll find, friend 
Sandy. I haven’t been quite able to make it out 
myself yet ; but, all the same, it ’s as plain as the 
nose on your face that this shrewd old chap has been 
working while we were playing, and in that way 
has stolen a march on us nicely. Listen now, and 
you shall have some particulars.” 

Mynheer Joe casts a glance around, as though he 
would use at least all ordinary caution. Then he 
gives the eager war correspondent the benefit of his 
late interview with faithful Kassee. 

Sandy’s manner is something of a thermometer, 
indicating his feelings. When the story grows 
warm, he restlessly fingers his cigar, twirling it be- 
tween his thumb and finger. As a quiet portion of 
the recital is reached, he puffs unconcernedly at the 
weed or else idly flips the ashes from the end. 

All the while he imbibes the facts which fall from 
the lips of Mynheer Joe. Sandy is much of the nature 
of a sponge. He greedily sucks in all he can reach, 
but means to give it out again upon the least pres- 
sure. That is his business in life — to take and give, 
retaining nothing. If what issues from his pen is 
garbed in a new dress, so that it can hardly be recog- 
nized as the same impression that he received, that is 
in the nature of things and only to be expected ; for 
Sandy himself is the wonderful machine that grasps 


238 


MTNHEBE JOE. 


the rough material, and with its magic breath trans- 
forms it into the daintiest of fabrics. 

It can be readily set down, therefore, that the 
active little newspaper man is a good listener. His 
memory is astonishingly tenacious for one so accus- 
tomed to making notes, and he will not forget a 
word of what has been said. 

It is a thrilling narrative Joe gives him, and would 
even be so were it any other than themselves thus 
placed in danger. At the same time, Joe makes no 
rhetorical flourishes in his narrative, but gives it in 
a plain, every-day style, such as appears to be a part 
of his nature. 

Perhaps their unique surroundings have something 
to do with lending the story color and making it 
appear more romantic. This is clearly possible, 
because the bright costumes, the strange language, 
the dtjsar re contents of the shelf-like shops where the 
proprietors sit cross-legged, smoking calmly and 
awaiting the advent of customers. All these things, 
seen and heard under the numerous colored lights 
that make Bhendy Bazar Road seem like a glimpse 
of fairyland, must have their effect upon the sensi- 
tive nerves, and cause one to look upon the affair in 
quite another humor than might be the case were it 
all done under the garish light of day and amid 
other less powerful surroundings. 

What the full text of Mynheer Joe’s narrative may 
be does not concern us just at present. In good 
time its nature must be laid bare, and all its details 
discussed, as the anticipated thunderbolt falls upon 
our friends. 

Sandy feels that the situation is grave and realizes 


THE FATAL THIRTEEN. 


239 


his position in the matter. Before he can give an 
expression to. his feelings, however, the traveller 
steps on his foot. It is no accident but an inten- 
tional dig that carries a warning with it, and quick 
to heed these things the little man bubbles out with 
a laugh, that causes the last of the serious look to 
fly from his face. 

“Capital joke, that of yours, Joe. Ah, you sly 
dog, always working in your little pun ! It 's a 
beastly shame to impose on an unsophisticated 
Yankee like myself. Nevermind, 1 ’ll have my eye- 
teeth cut if I remain long in such disreputable com- 
pany, 1 warrant you.” 

While thus delivering himself Sandy is casting his 
eyes around in the hope of discovering the cause of 
Joe’s sudden new departure. What enemy has 
approached near enough to give the wary explorer 
alarm ? 

The first discovery Sandy makes is that Kas- 
see, faithful Kassee, no longer stands near the 
elbows of his master, but has vanished as com- 
pletely as though the earth has opened and swal- 
lowed him. Of course, it is not a very difficult 
task for a native to mingle in the crowd and lose 
himself, but a white man would have much more 
trouble, as he must be one among dozens, and his 
identity can be detected even some distance away. 

Looking further Sandy believes he can place the 
threatening danger. As if by mere accident, several 
ugly-Iooking Hindoos are near them. They do not 
move on with the crowd but linger in that one spot, 
which in itself seems to indicate an intention to do 
mischief. 


240 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Sandy has not had any actual experience with the 
dreaded society of Thugs in India, but he knows 
much of their past history and has imbibed numer- 
ous stories concerning their evil deeds. He is also 
aware of the fact that although Great Britain has 
dealt very severely with all members of this dreaded 
society, whenever their guilt could be proven, her 
strict laws have had little effect in intimidating 
the bravos of cord and creese. As a general rule, 
their work is carried on among the people of their 
own nationality, but there have been times when 
foreigners have come under the ban, although the 
secret order is chary of indulging in such pastime 
as it always results in additional energy on the 
part of the government to stamp out the Curse of 
India. 

It strikes Sandy very broadly, as he notes the 
presence of these fellows, that they are standing 
upon the brink of a precipice, where it will not 
require much of an effort to hurl them over. At 
such a critical time, it is wonderful what confidence 
he has in the magnetic man beside him. With Myn- 
heer Joe to hold up the other end of the log, it does 
not seem as though he need fear all the combination 
of evil that can be brought to bear against them. 
Joe is a natural-born leader, and needs nothing be- 
3^ond the occasion to develop his powers. 

“ Keep close at my side, Sandy ; we have here an 
enemy somewhat different from any 3^011 may have 
met— certainly as unlike the cowardly Arabs who 
tackled you in the dark streets of Cairo, as day is 
from night. Of course, you are armed — don’t an- 
swer, simply nod. That’s good. I feared you 


THE FATAL THIRTEEN.' 


241 


might have overlooked the little gun. If the worst 
comes, remember we are marked men, and let every 
bullet find its billet. In plain words, Sandy, shoot 
to kill. Savvy ?” 

The other grunts a response that seems to satisfy 
Joe, who continues in the same low voice: 

“ 1 am in hopes that I may be able to ward off 
this threatened attack. Much depends upon the 
branch of the secret order these Thugs belong to. 
At any rate, be ready to do your duty. I must fire 
the first shot and, when that sounds, let go all. 
When these fellows get ready for business, you will 
hear a peculiar call, loud and shrill. That cry is 
known by every Hindoo, and means that if they 
know what is good for themselves and families, they 
will keep shy of the spot and leave the worthy 
Thugs to carry out their own sweet will. Hence 
you see, Sandy,” removing his cigar for a moment 
in a nonchalant way, we need expect no assistance 
from this crowd.” 

“Luckily,! hadn’t counted on it, Joe,” remarks 
tlie other, in something of the same humor. 

“ It will be a sight worth looking at when the 
signal is given. Keep your eyes open, friend. You 
will receive a sensation — that of being perhaps the 
first man for whose benefit the signal has been given 
and who lives to tell the tale.” 

This is enough in itself to arouse Sandy’s hopes. 
Wide-awake he generally is, but just now his eyes 
seem popping out of his head with eagerness. 

They saunter slowly on, while their body-guard— 
for such the ugly-looking squad of Thugs appears 
to be— keeps them company. At the same time, 


242 


MYNHEER JOE. 


their number increases. Sandy can, with only a 
casual glance, count a dozen men wearing the same 
peculiar style of turban. There is something odd 
and even grotesque about it to him, now that he 
notes the fact that every one of the Thugs wears 
one. Other turbans he has noticed, but there seems 
to be a peculiar significance about this one, which 
can only be explained by the fact that he knows 
the nature of the society that appears to have 
adopted it. 

Why does not the critical moment come? Are 
the Thugs waiting for a certain spot to be reached 
where the blood of the foreigners shall drench the 
soil ? 

It is a sensation to remember, this walk along the 
bustling Bhendy Bazar Road, with its peculiar 
sights and sounds and odors, all the while attended 
by a select body-guard from the picked members of 
a secret society of assassins, the ramifications of 
which extend even beyond the limits of India’s wide 
borders. 

The most interesting part of the business comes in 
just here : this body-guard has not their good at 
heart and does not thus convoy them in order to 
ward off danger. On the contrary, each and every 
individual member of it has been bound by his oath 
to effect the death of the two Americans. Their 
orders come from headquarters, and they obey with 
the blindness that generally marks the actions of 
these children of destiny. How are they to know 
that it is the Russian’s gold that has bought their 
leaders? Little they care, since their oath binds 
them to blindly obey. 


THE FATAL THIRTEEN. 


243 


It is corning soon. Sandy notes that numbers of 
the people have alread}^ edged away. When their 
eyes note the strange turbans worn by these men 
and count the number, the fatal thirteen, they 
exhibit all the signs of sudden fear, and, turning, 
hasten from the spot in undisguised alarm. 

Still Mynheer Joe shows no alarm himself, strange 
man that he is. What can he be made of to thus 
calmly face a death that most men shudder to con- 
template? Really the fellow must have been born 
without nerves, he has such remarkable control over 
himself. 

They have by slow stages reached a point on the 
road where the bazars are thickest, and ordinarily 
here can be seen the most interesting of all the 
sights Bombay offers to the curiosity-seeker. 

“ Listen,” says Joe, suddenly, it is coming !” 

He tosses the remnant of his cigar away, as if tired 
of smoking. Sandy hastens to follow suit, for he 
wants his vision to be as clear as his other faculties 
are at this moment. 

Mynheer Joe has not made a blunder in the matter 
of time. At the very moment Sandy relieves him- 
self of his cigar there rises above the babel of voices, 
a startling sound. Sandy has never heard anything 
like it before and, please Heaven, he does not want 
to again, since he knows what it signifies. 

The effect is astounding. A dead silence reigns 
where before all was bustling confusion. People 
appear to shrink away, so quickly do they get their 
bodies out of sight. This is part of the business 
that amazes Sandy. He sees the eager tradesman 
stop in the midst of a sentence and no longer 


244 


MYNHEER JOE. 


attempt to sell his wares. It would be useless any- 
way, since his late customer has apparently merged 
into space, the spot that once knew him knowing 
him no longer. Thus it is with all — they melt away 
as does the snow on an April morning when the sun 
rises. 

Perhaps Sandy can count thirty while this change 
is taking place around them, or it might be he will 
be able to cover only half of that number, so speedily 
is the metamorphosis accomplished. 

In one particular there is no change. The fatal 
thirteen Thugs still surround them. Not an avenue 
of escape has been left open. Plainly, if they 
live through this night it must be because they are 
able to meet the assaults of the enemy with not only 
a bold front but weapons that lessen the number of 
the odds against them at every discharge. 

Sandy has produced his revolver, but he clearly 
remembers his companion’s explicit instructions, 
and will not fire until Mynheer Joe gives the word, 
even though these fierce bravos of Bombay advance 
to the attack and smite them hip and thigh. 



CHAPTER XX. 


EVEN THE THUGS OBEY HIS NOD. 

There is another factor in the game, however, 
which Sandy has not suspected. Knowing Mynheer 
Joe as he does, he fails to sound the full depth of 
that strange man’s powers. Although the traveller 
has also produced a revolver and shows an entire 
willingness to use it should the occasion arise, he 
still holds back. 

There is a method in his madness. For Sandy 
thinks it borders on this, not to begin operations 
upon the enemy at once, so they may in a measure 
paralyze their attack. 

Mynheer Joe knows what he is about. From his 
lips there suddenly issues a strange sound, unlike 
anything Sandy ever heard. It is undoubtedly a 
signal of some sort. His -amazed eyes are glued 
on Joe. He sees him make a peculiar pantomine 
gesture with his hand— the one which has not been 
occupied in grasping a weapon. 

[245] 


246 


MYNHEER JOE. 


This must mean something. Sandy knows it is ^ 
not intended for him, and hence he turns his atten- 
tion upon the enemy to discover a solution of the 
mystery. 

Whether he can find this out or not, the effect of 
Joe’s action is speedily manifest in the actions of the 
Thugs. He hears their exclamations of amazement, 
sees the looks of wonder which they cast upon the 
traveller. Instead of a forward rush to annihilate 
him and his friend, there is a shrinking back on the 
part of the thirteen. 

What can this mean? Mynheer Joe continues to 
wave his hand in that strange man ner, and the thir- 
teen terrible foes retreat slowly but surely in every 
direction. 

Sandy is forcibly reminded of a certain picture in 
the pantom ine where the good spirit appears upon 
the scene, and the evil workers retreat in dismay, 
endeavoring to shield their eyes from the dazzling 
light that nearly blinds them, for everything that is 
evil hates the light. 

He is bewildered by what he sees, and yet, 
although the cause is a perfect blank, the effect is 
plainly evident — even he who runs may read : These 
Thugs fear Mynheer Joe. 

Sandy’s admiration for the man takes an upward 
bound. He realizes that much as he has known of 
the other, Joe possesses qualities which he has never 
even suspected as existing. 

In less than half a minute after the traveller has 
uttered that strange sound, the thirteen Thugs have 
backed out of sight. The coast is clear and gradu 
ally the people resume their interrupted trade rela. 


/ 


EVEN THE THUGS OBEY HIS NOD. 


247 


tions — the merchant calls attention to his stock, the 
customer takes it upon himself to buy. 

As the people come thronging back upon the road 
of the bazars, it can be noticed that they cast anx- 
ious glances around them. They seem to expect to 
look upon something lying hither or yon — some- 
thing that is apt to hll their souls with horror, and 
yet which possesses a deep attraction. 

.Sandy notes these glances cast around, and being 
a bright-minded chap, intuitively guesses their 
meaning. They are looking for the victims of the 
Thugs, and upon failing to discover one or more 
bodies lying upon the road, with life rendered ex- 
tinct through the agency of cord or creese, cannot 
but feel the greatest amazement. 

Then their looks turn upon the two Americans, 
as though they have guessed that these worthies are 
the ones against whom this uprising of the secret 
society took place. It must have been some mis- 
take after all. Philosophically they determine this, 
and return to their various pursuits, though glances 
full of wonder greet Mynheer Joe and his compan- 
ion at every turn. 

As for Sandy himself, he follows the other along 
the street in a half stupefied way. It seems to him 
Joe can do anything. If the Hindoos were about to 
place them both upon one of the funeral pyres along 
the ghauts bordering the river, Sandy believes Joe 
is wizard enough to change the fire into ice, and 
cause the vengeful destroyers to fall upon their 
knees in humble servitude. After this exhibition, he 
will not doubt JoeJs power to accomplish any wonder. 
So they pass along, and by degrees enter among a 


248 


MYNHEER JOE. 


new lot of natives, who ignorant of the event that 
has so recently transpired, do not view them in that 
strange way. Sandy is burning with deep curiosity. 
By nature he abhors mysteries, and is just as curious 
as any woman could ever be. 

Plainly then, he puts the question to Joe, begging 
to know by what spirit of necromancy the other 
managed to dissolve the dark clouds that hung so 
threateningly over their heads. 

“ It 's all as simple as falling off a log. The whole 
thing lies in knowing how to do it,” he remarks, 
whereat Sandy adds: 

“ A second Columbus making the egg stand on 
end ? Suppose you illustrate matters, my dear fellow, 
and show us how the thing is done.” 

“ Perhaps you saw me make a signal, and the ras- 
cals obey. You wonder what that could mean. 
Truth to tell, Sandy, I am a member of the very 
organization which our unscrupulous enemy, the 
baron, has subsidized in order to complete our 
downfall.” 

At this intelligence, the newspaper man loses his 
head and looks silly. His ideas even become con- 
fused, and he wonders whether Joe is not giving him 
a little chaff. Up to the present he has believed 
himself too old a bird to be caught in this way ; but 
such strange things have occurred of late that he 
stands ready to take almost anything as gospel truth. 

‘‘ Oh, you he a full-fledged Thug, eh ?” he manages 
to murmur. 

“ Not only that, but an officer in the organization. 
It was as such I gave the sign that threw those fel- 
lows into a fever.” 


EVEN THE THUGS OBEY HIS NOD. 


249 


“ How do you come to belong to such a lovely 
crowd asks Sandy. 

“ Ah, my dear fellow, that is a story you shall 
hear some day ! Really, it is worth telling, since it 
is founded upon strange incidents such as only a 
Haggard could use with credit. For the present, 
let it suffice to say that this ancient order has more 
about it than the general world knows. It is not 
organized for murder, as you and other people 
believe, although the Thugs of India, like the Nihi- 
lists of Russia, do not hesitate to remove an37one 
who runs against their will. 

“ A series of strange adventures threw me into the 
midst of them some years ago, and to preserve my 
life I was obliged to join the order, attaining a high 
place of honor before the opportunity came to quit 
India’s shores. 

“ I can now see very plainly why that same thing 
occurred to me, for you and I must have fallen vic- 
tims to the fury of the mob only for my power.” 

“ By the way, Joe, have you any more of these lit- 
tle bombs hidden away? If so, put them to good use, 
man. There ’s no telling when we may need them 
in this country. Bless my soul ! I have a strange 
feeling all the while as though invisible danger was 
hanging over our heads. What can it mean ?” 

“ When the baron ceases to annoy us, you will 
get over that, Sandy. The truth of the matter is you 
have fallen into the habit of feeling his presence near 
you. These men of evil seem to exale a something 
that impresses itself upon those they hate, even as 
might the rattlesnake when charming a victim. 


250 


MYNHEER JOE. 


Once the serpent is trampled under foot, and all 
that uneasiness vanishes. 

“ You ’ve changed your mind, then, and intend 
to make way with the baron ?” says Sandy, quickly. 

“ Well, it becomes more evident every hour that 
it ’s a desperate case of Greek against Greek. 
Unless I demolish the baron he will down me.’' 

“ Eiireka ! That ’s my policy to a dot. The ques- 
tion is how it shall be done.” 

“ That will come out all right, old man.” 

“ I give myself no uneasiness with regard to it. 
Poor old Popoff ! He ’ll carry out the name to a 
letter presently. But since he ’s shown himself to 
be such a consummate rascal, I no longer feel pity 
for him. Let him go. The king has commanded 
it; the decree must be entered,” and Sandy makes a 
royal sweep with his arm that would cause many a 
monarch to turn green with envy, could he see it. 

Mynheer Joe looks beyond, and sees things that a 
wise Providence screens from the eyes of impulsive 
fellows of Sandy’s stripe. He knows that the life of 
the baron is exceedingly precious to the Russian 
authorities, and that they will make a searching 
investigation into matters in case he is downed ; it 
may even be considered a casus bellum,‘‘i\nd the two 
great countries be embroiled in a terrible conflict. . 

Thus Mynheer Joe, feeling the responsible nature 
of his position, resolves to do nothing rash. He 
desires to consult with some one who has a long 
head, and knows of no person more competent than 
Mr. Grimes. Sandy is all right when it comes to 
action, but he does not make the best adviser in the 
world, as Joe has learned before now. 


EVEN THE THUGS OBEY HIS NOD. 


251 ' 


It is high time they turn their steps in the direc- 
tion of the hotel, as the hour is getting late. 

Through the crowds they pass without any fear 
of violence, since they hold the good-will of the 
V great secret society of India. 

“Ah! There’s the baron !” says Sandy. And 
Joe catches a glimpse of the Russian’s face among 
the dark ones just beyond. 

He reads surprise and baffled rage upon it, as 
though Popoff had already begun to understand 
that again his plans have been defeated by circum- 
stances over which he has no control. 

Mynheer Joe cannot help showing something of 
his feelings in his expression. The look is not a 
contemptuous one, for he has considerable respect 
in the direction of the shrewd baron. At the same 
time, he despises a man who will descend to the 
methods practiced by this agent of the czar. 

If Joe chooses, he can meet him on a level, and, 
employing the same methods, influence the secret 
order of Thugs against the Russian, for he has power 
behind the throne. This does not happen to be his 
way. If the baron will not enter into another duel 
with him, he must employ some other honorable 
means for accomplishing his end. 

They finally bring up at the hotel. The hour is 
not so late for those who make day out of night, but 
with travellers weary from a long sea journey and 
sight-seeing all day, it is an entirely different matter. 

All have retired, and Joe is compelled to let the 
matter lie over to the morrow or else wake Mr. 
Grimes. This latter he would be tempted to do, as 
he believes the case requires prompt attention, only 


252 


MYNHEER JOE. 


that he remembers the pseudo silver king complained 
of a headache as well as a lame ankle. 

So he determines to let matters rest until the morn- 
ing. If all goes well, they can then discuss the affair 
with clear brains and decide upon the best course to 
pursue. 

The day dawns upon the city of Bombay, and, as 
is usual, all soon becomes bustle and confusion. As 
the hour grows nearer noon, this enthusiasm will 
gradually" die out and leave a sort of lethargy in its 
place, common to all warm climates. 

Mjniheer Joe is early on foot, and awaits the com- 
ing of his friend. When Mr. Grimes finally shows 
up he is greeted with a wink and a beckoning finger 
that draws him over to a retired spot, anxious to 
learn what new deviltry is in the wind. 

Rapidly Joe sketches the adventure of the preced- 
ing night. The lapse of time has not changed his 
mind with regard to things, and he sees matters in 
just as serious a light as when the events occurred, 
ten hours before. 

Mr. Grimes hears the story gravely. He makes 
a good listener, for he says nothing until the end is 
reached ; but all the while he keeps up a-thinking. 
Of all people, he is the last to make a mountain out 
of a mole-hill ; but there can be no disguising the 
fact that their situation is desperate when a man 
like the baron can set such diabolical machinery in 
motion against them. 

He agrees with Mynheer Joe that the time has 
come to strike back. Perhaps his methods may 
differ from those of the traveller ; for Mr. Grimes is 
a believer in the homeopathic adage, similia similibus 


EVEN THE THUGS OBEY HIS NOD. 


253 


curantur — like is cured by like. When in Rome, he 
does as the Romans do, and adapts himself to cir- 
cumstances. This has been one reason for his 
remarkable success. To a certain extent. Mynheer 
Joe has followed the same plan, but he cannot go so 
far as his friend in these matters, drawing the line 
at a certain point. 

Thus, in order to meet at a common level, these 
two must both give way. It is advice Joe seeks, 
nothing more. 

Mr. Grimes ponders over the matter. He does 
not often act from impulse, and chews the cud of 
reflection at the beginning of a crisis, not when it 
has passed by, his policy being that an ounce of pre- 
vention is better than a pound of cure. 

Finally he turns around and lays his finger upon 
the arm of the traveller. The light in his eye pro- 
claims that he has conceived an idea, and Joe feels 
satisfied something is coming which it will pay him 
well to lay hold of — something that may cause the 
baron to believe he has struck an avalanche. 

“ Mynheer Joe, we must be up and doing. This 
miserable Russian shall not say he has beaten three 
Yankees in a game. I know your principles and 
respect them, but the baron is an obstacle to our 
progress. He must be removed.” 


CHAPTER XXL 


THE BARON IS BOOKED FOR VALPARAISO. 

“ 111 the first place,” remarks Mr. Grimes, in that 
steady voice of his that never deviates, no matter 
what the excitement around him, “ we must have 
the secret co-operation of the authorities in anything 
we undertake.” 

‘‘There will be no trouble about. that — 1 have 
already put a flea in their ear. They know who the 
baron is and what the nature of his mission to India 
maybe.’ Naturally then they hate him — naturally 
it is to their interest to dispose of this spy who 
comes to foment' trouble. The question is how far 
will they go ?” 

“ You can see some of them again, Joe ?” 

“ Readily, sir.” 

“ Then we must fight fire with fire. Since the 
baron has inaugurated this system of tactics, we ’ll 
give him all he wants. His Russian ways don’t go 
with people from the States. I wish we had him 
[254] 



THE BARON IS BOOKED FOR VALPARAISO. 255 


out there. A noose and the limb of a tree would 
transport him to eternity, unless we thought it best 
to use a coat of tar and ornament it with feathers.” 

“ That would be a prime ending of the game, sir, 
but unfortunately we are in a country where such 
enlightened arts are not known. Besides, the gov- 
ernment would be held responsible for such a public 
taking-off. It will be better for us to have him trans- 
ported.” 

“ Certainly,” remarks Joe, although he does not 
yet grasp the idea that is slowly taking form in the 
other’s brain. 

“ In order to accomplish that, you and I must 
exercise our minds and arrange a plan by means of 
which the baron will step into a trap. We know his 
cunning, and whatever is done will have to be sugar- 
coated.” 

“That is quite right, Mr. Grimes.” 

‘My plan, broadly speaking and without the 
details that must be arranged later, is something 
like this : We will arrange matters so that the baron 
steps into the little parlor of the spider. He sees a 
luscious morsel there and is tempted to devour it. 
Just then his feet are entangled in the web and he 
finds himself powerless. After that he leaves the 
country on board a sailing-vessel, to be landed per- 
haps on a desert island or conveyed to South 
America. The chances are ten to one he will never 
care to indulge in any more of these games in case 
he lives to reach Russia again.” 

“ Your idea is a good one. Of course, it must be 
understood that under no circumstances will the 


256 


MYNHEER JOE. 


hand of the British authorities be seen in anything 
we undertake.” 

“ That can be arranged easily enough. Things 
are often done sub rosa^ and nothing left to tell the 
tale.” 

“ Ah ! A thought strikes me ; let us have it out 
while I find it fresh on my mind. You spoke of an 
attractive bait.” 

Mr. Grimes bites his lips. 

“ That was it, Joe.” 

“ You had something definite on your mind when 
you spoke in that way?” 

“ I did for a fact,” watching his companion out of 
the corner of his eye. 

“ Someone I know, sir ?” 

“ Well, I am free to confess it.” 

“ Plainly, then, Mr. Grimes, you had reference to 
Miss Tanner.” 

“ To be equally frank with you, I did, my boy. 
You frown. I understand your feelings to a dot. 
You have my sympathy, my dear fellow, if that will 
do you any good.” 

Mynheer Joe frowns savagely now. 

“ Give up the idea, sir.” 

“ Why so ?” 

“ Because 1 put my foot down upon it.” 

At this, the other arches his eyebrows and pretends 
to be taken aback. Not that he is at all convinced 
that his plans must be altered, for it chances that 
Mr. Grimes is quite a stubborn man in his way. 

“Pardon me. Mynheer Joe, but for once I must 
decline to see your authority. This young woman 
has a father, and he is one of the party. 1 have had 


THE FIIENCH CAPTAIN CATCHES THE HAKON.— /See Chapter ATK 








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THE BARON IS BOOKED FOR VALPARAISO. 257 


a talk with him. He gives his consent to the plan I 
sketched for his benefit.” 

“ Confusion ! Well, what if he does? Because a 
foolish father agrees to endanger his child’s happi- 
ness, her life even, is that any reason I should also 
consent? Not for Joseph, sir. 1 come down flat- 
footed against the idea.” And the traveller looks 
as though he might annihilate the person who could 
thus propose such a thing to him. 

“ The young lady agrees to it,” says Grimes, in a 
most nonchalant manner. 

“ What ! You have spoken of it to Molly ?” flashes 
from Joe’s lips. This- hot-shot really crumbles his 
last bulwark away. 

“ Yes. You remember we three were left last 
night. I was about to retire, as I had a lame ankle 
and a headache, when a native servant came with a 
message from Tanner. 1 hobbled to his room and 
found Molly there. ^ 

“ It struck me at once that there was something 
in the wind, for while the young lady’s face looked 
serious, that of the Illinois legislator was black as a 
thiinder-cloud. Before one word had been spoken, 
I was able to understand that trouble was in the air, 
and could give a shrewd guess as to who was to 
blame. In his own peculiar, blunt way, the senator 
began to tell me, now and then calling upon his 
daughter to refresh his mind. Thus I was soon in 
possession of the whole story. 

“To be brief in telling you, it seems that the au- 
dacious baron has gotten ahead of you. Perhaps 
you noticed a native hand Miss Tanner a letter 


258 


MYNHEER JOE. 


while you were admiring the great temple of Maha- 
luxmee ?” 

“Jove ! I do recollect it! Heard him savin good 
English : ‘ Read it when alone, lady,’ and saw 
Molly mechanically slip it into her bosom. Then I 
forgot all about it, ycni know,” says Joe, somewhat 
eagerly, his curiosity excited. 

“ That was a lost opportunity, my dear boy. 
Had you asked Molly to open it then and there, you 
could not have failed to tell her your secret.” 

“ My secret, Mr. Grimes?” turning pale. 

“Certainly. You love the girl and dare not tell 
her. Good heavens, man ! The fact is patent to 
us all. ‘ Faint heart never won fair lady.’ I ’m as- 
tounded ! You, as bold as a lion in everything else, 
to be a laggard in love. Go in and win, my boy. 
You ’ve got a clear field, and the game is yours if 
you only show nerve enough to put out your hand 
and take it.” ’ 

“ Do you think so, my friend ?” 

“ Why should )^ou doubt it ?” 

“ I will tell you, frankly : Ever since Molly 
learned that 1 was Joe Miner Carringford, she has 
not been the same toward me,” the other says seri- 
ously, at which Grimes laughs with the air of a man 
ol the world. 

“ Naturally so, Joe. There are two reasons for 
such a change on her part. In the first place, the 
fact that you are the heir makes her feel differently 
toward you. She fears lest people may suspect that 
she angles for you.” 

“ To perdition with such gossips !” roars Joe. 

“ Exactly my feelings ; but that doesn’t mend 


baron is booked for VALPARAISO. 


259 


matters a particle. The other thing is what has 
influenced Molly most/' continues Mr. Grimes. 

“ Well, what is the tenor of that?” 

“ You will forgive me if 1 am personal?” 

“ Of course.” 

“ Then hark to the words of a man whose business 
it has been for years to read human nature, until 
from experience it has become very much like an 
open book to him. The hour that Molly learned 
the truth and knew the man who saved her from the 
cruel waters of the Mediterranean at Malta was no 
other than he whom she sought, the heir to vast 
estates — then she suddenly awoke to the conscious- 
ness of the fact that she loved him.” 

“ God grant it !” almost whispers Joe. 

“ Her maidenly modesty put her on guard lest 
she betray her secret. That is all. Be the man in 
love you have even been in battle, Mynheer Joe; 
walk right up to the cannon’s mouth, and the 
prize is yours.” 

“ I will,” responds Joe, with a sudden determin- 
ation. ‘‘And yet, hang it all. Grimes, you don’t 
know what a queer feeling comes over me when- 
ever I start to tell of my love and look up into 
Molly’s bright eyes. Somehow the words race 
into another channel of themselves. But see here, 
what did you mean about the baron getting ahead 
of me ? Was that letter from hint \w\i\\ a fierce 
frown. 

“ It was, offering his hand and heart, not to speak 
of his estates, at the feet of the queen of beauty 
whom we know as Molly Tanner.” 

Mynheer Joe looks serious. 


260 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ That was a confounded neat trick of his— pro- 
posing right under my nose. But I don’t' imagine 
he has any show. Do you, Grimes? ’ 

“ None at all, I assure you,” with a grin at the 
anxiety apparent in Joe’s voice. 

“ She knows him too well. Thank Heaven, there 
are some sensible American girls who will not sell 
themselves for a title !” 

“ Why, old Tanner tells me she has had proposals 
from Sir Hugh Trelawny and Lord Arthui\Stan- 
hope. She refused them because she did not love 
them ! Think of it, man !” 

“God bless her! -She’s worth the winning! 
And you think I’m safe, old fellow?” 

“ You ’ve got the inside track, unless you let it 
go too long. In matters of this kind delays are 
always dangerous.” 

“ Well, so long.” 

“ Hold on, my friend ; where away ?” 

“To find Molly; to tell her what a blockhead I 
am, and ask her to take me in hand,” responds the 
man of action, at which his companion bursts into a 
roar. 

“Time enough for that, Joe. Don’t do it in an 
abrupt way. Watch your opportunity, man. The 
women — bless ’m — like to be wooed and won in the 
proper way. Many a girl has been frightened into 
saying no when she meant yes by the awful abrupt- 
ness of her lover’s proposal. Besides, I am just get- 
ting to business. Sit down and behave yourself.” 

“ I suppose I must, but it’s too bad I can’t put 
my fate up to the test, now that I am all worked up. 
Ten to one when the chance comes again I ’ll prove 


THE BARON IS' BOOKED FOR VALPARAISO. 


261 


to be a miserable coward,” mutters Mynheer Joe, 
who is developing some new and singular traits of 
late. 

Mr. Grimes taps the forefinger of his right hand 
upon the palm of his left, as if to give an expression 
and force to his words. 

“Although this proposal of the baron’s was appar- 
ently couched in elegant language', there was a 
threat behind it. He says — ” 

“ What !” cries Joe. “He dares threaten Molly, 
the miserable hound ?” 

“ Even so. I don’t know but that it is the custom 
in his country when a man of the nobility deigns to 
propose to one beneath him in their social rank. 
The Russians have peculiar ways as well as the 
Turks and Arabs. At any rate, this man has vowed 
to make Molly Tanner his wife, and means to raise 
Cain if she will not consent to become a baroness. 
He seems to consider it an honor to have asked her, 
and takes it for granted she will accept in spite of 
her father or any one else.” 

“ 1 always did say he was a conceited ass. His 
ears give him away,” grins Joe, whose hands are 
working nervously, as though in sympathy with his 
feelings. He would give all he ever expects to 
handle of his uncle’s estate for the privilege of lay- 
ing hold of that same Baron Popoff at this moment. 

“ True. But we must not deceive ourselves. He 
may be conceited ; but, at the same time, he is a 
dangerous man.” 

“ Ah ! I grant you that. He plays with the sword 
as 1 have seen few men do. Yes, the baron is no 
fool, after all.” 


262 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ We three discussed the matter thoroughly last 
night. I found the senator a level-headed man, and 
his daughter backed up propositions made by myself 
in a manner that did her credit. In the end we 
arrived at a conclusion, and the story you have told 
me this morning only convinces me we did the right 
thing.” 

“What was this conclusion?” asks Joe, as his 
companion looks down the avenue. 

“ Speak of the Old Nick and you ’ll get an odor of 
brimstone. Yonder goes the man we were talking 
about. Notice his arrogant strut. The natives seem 
to quail before him as I ’ve never seen them do when 
in the presence of a British officer. Ah, it will be a 
sad day for poor India if the iron heel of the White 
Czar of all the Russias in ever set upon her bor- 
ders !” 

“ Stop your philosophy. Come to business, Mr. 
Grimes. Tell me your plan without delay,” growls 
Mynheer Joe, who cannot help sending a black look 
after the retreating form of the proud man who has 
crossed his path and seems destined to give him 
trouble. 

^ “Well,, here it is in a nutshell: Molly has con- 
sented to appear to favor his suit.” 

“ Misery !” groans the traveller. 

“ Of course it is only assumed, for she solemnly 
assured me that if the baron were the last man on 
the face of the earth, she would not have him. 
This will in a measure pull the wool over his eyes, 
and we can lead him the easier into the trap. All of 
us seem to be of the same mind — that this man must 
be transported out of India. We had not decided 


THE BARON IS BOOKED FOR VALPARAISO. 


263 


last night how this was to be done, but our morning 
talk' has developed the idea.” 

“ I am beginning to fall in with your plans. All I 
want is an assurance that Molly may not be assigned 
any duty to bring her into danger,” Joe remarks, 
gravely. 

“ Readily given, my boy, and don’t forget it. 
Let me map out your work this morning. 1 suppose 
money is no object here ?” 

“ I am a man of wealth. Whole lakhs of rupees, 
as they say here, are at your disposal. Call on the 
senator and charge to my account. He told me to 
draw on him without stint.” 

“ Good. Now listen. As soon as convenient 1 
want you to hie away to the river ghauts, and find 
the owner of some vessel about to sail for South 
America or some far-away port. Make arrange- 
ments with him to take a secret passenger as a pris- 
oner, a man whose ravings on the voyage must be 
treated as though he were a crazy rpan. 

Mynheer Joe jumps up. 

“Thunder and Mars! Why didn't I think of it 
before. Captain Ben is the very man ! If the good 
ship Avalanche hasn’t sailed yet, the baron stands a 
chance of landing at Valparaiso, in Chili, some 
months hence,” he exclaims. 


CHAPTER XXII. 


CAPTAIN BEN, OF THE GOOD SHIP “AVALANCHE.” 

A short time later, Mynheer Joe makes his way 
in the direction of the river, determined to carry 
out his share of the plan as proposed by Mr. 
Grimes. If the Avalanche has not already sailed, he 
is sure of heart}^ co-operation on the part of his 
friend, the Yankee skipper, and so far as this share 
of the contract is concerned, it can be. set down as 
good as already accomplished. 

There is considerable foreign shipping at Bom- 
bay, much of which lies in the river, as the Indian 
Ocean can be very treacherous, and great tidal 
waves have done a tremendous amount of mischief 
in the past. 

When Mynheer Joe reaches the terraces, or 
ghauts, that line the river, he finds himself in the 
vicinity of the place where the dead are burned. A 
great pillar of smoke rises, and by glancing over a 
[264] 


CAPTAIN BEN. 


265 


wall he can see the funeral pyre, with all its primi- 
tive accessories, the sad mourners, the black attend- 
ants and the bodies that are being thus cremated, 
their ashes to he cast upon the sacred Ganges. 

Although the weird spectacle might interest him 
at another time, just at present Mynheer Joe has 
something else on his mind which he cannot dis- 
miss. 

Eagerly he scans the surface of the watei; in 
search of the clipper ship. It was here Captain 
Ben told him the vessel lay. A number can be seen 
near by ; one bears the stars and stripes, and upon 
her Joe fastens his eyes. 

He speedily makes her out to be the Avalanche, 
since she carries out the verbal description Captain 
Ben gave. To his chagrin, he sees signs that indi- 
cate an early sailing. 

“ By my life, they look as though they only wait 
for a boat that may be out ! Another hour, and I 
might have missed him !” he exclaims aloud, when 
a heavy hand comes down with a thump in the mid- 
dle of his back, and a hearty voice roars : 

“Well done. Mynheer Joe! Reckon you Ve 
come down to see what kind of a craft I sail. Go 
with me on board ; we can have some hours of chin- 
ning ere the anchor is heaved.” 

Of course, it is bluff Captain Ben himself, the old 
schoolmate with whom Joe tussled many a time in 
the days gone by. That worthy shakes hands 
eagerly now ; he could almost hug the Yankee 
sailor, such is his intense delight at seeing him. 

“ Impossible, Ben! I don’t even want your men 
to see me, so that the cock-and-bull story you may 


266 


MYNHEER JOE. 


tell them later will have an air of probability 
about it.” 

“ Eh ! What ’s in the wind now ?” bursts out the 
other, looking in Joe’s face. 

“ Come over here under this overhanging wall, 
and I ’ll tell you quite a yarn that may awaken your 
interest, even if it doesn’t harrow up your blood. 
At any rate, I am in hopes that it will arouse your 
chivalry.” 

“ Hello ! Three to one there ’s petticoats in it. 
Wouldn’t talk about chivalry other\|ise. Well, here 
’s Ben Hazen, rough sea-dog that he is, always wil- 
ling to remember his mother — God bless her — and 
do a favor in her name when there ’s a woman in 
trouble, not to speak of Daisy.” 

Mynheer Joe gives him a look that must thrill his 
heart, it is so full of thanks. Then, knowing the 
value of time, and desirous that the sailor shall learn 
all the particulars before making his decision, Joe 
starts in. 

He is a fine story-teller, though some one else 
might do better just here, since so many of his own 
achievements enter into the affair, and he fails to 
even do them simple justice. 

The captain gets an inkling of this fact, and makes 
ample allowances. Although he does not know all 
that Mynheer Joe has been doing of late years, Bom- 
bay has been ringing with his praise as the avenger 
of Brave Gordon ; and, besides. Captain Ben has not 
forgotten that his friend was ever modest even in 
their old school-days. 

Several times he stops Joe to ask questions, for it 
is plainly evident that he wants to know all that is 


CAPTAIN BEN. 


267 


going on. At last the story is done. Captain Ben 
holds his head with both hands, and seems to be 
studying the ground between his feet. Joe does not 
disturb him, but calmly lights a cigar. He knows 
his man, and does not fear for the final result. 

All at once the sailor puts out a horny hand. 

“ Shake, Joe, old boy,” he says quietly. 

“ Well?” accepting the palm. 

“ You can count upon me.” 

“ That means — ” 

‘‘ The baron will have the chance of his life to 
study the geography of that quaint Chilian city of 
Valparaiso ere many months elapse.” 

“ I thought I knew you, Ben,” said the elated Joe 
on hearing the bluff captain’s words, expressing 
agreement with his plans. “ Now, as to the pay for 
this risky job — ” 

“ The what?” bellows the excitable skipper. 

“ I mean just what I say. I ’m a man of wealth, 
and you have your way to make in the world. I 
must arrange a decent price for this business. What 
would be fair ? A thousand dollars — ” 

“ Three times too much,” grumbles Ben. 

“ Well, I shall put something in your hand before 
you sail, and don’t you open it on your life, old 
man. 1 haven’t forgotten the demure little girl you 
were sweet on as a boy, and who you tell me is now 
your wife. When you get home to Philadelphia 
about next Christmas, place this in her hand and 
tell Daisy it comes from her old schoolmate, Joe 
xMiner.” 

“ 1 ’ll do that with pleasure, Joe, only don’t make 
the present too costly. Daisy and I have often 


268 


MYNHEER JOE. 


talked of you. This is my last long voyage. If I 
live through it, I am promised a captain’s berth on 
one of the new Clyde coasting steamers running out 
of New York.” 

‘‘ How many children have you, Ben?” 

Two — Marguerite and Joe.” 

“ What ! You named your boy — ” 

“ After the only chap who could outwrestle, out- 
throw, outrun me at school— the same boy who 
dragged me out of the Delaware when I went in 
through the ice — one Joe Miner, who actually wants 
to pay me now for doing him a small favor.” 

“ Small favor be hanged ! This man is a secret 
emissary of the czar.” 

“ All right.” 

“ You may get into a war with Russia.” 

“ Well, I can lick ’em,” with a grin. 

“Joking aside, Ben, this is a serious business, and 
you must neglect no opportunity to shield yourself, 
for trouble is almost sure to come of it.” 

“ Oh, 1 ’m willing enough to appear an innocent 
tool of yours or an unknown party shipping this 
crazy Russian out to Valparaiso. 1 ’ve no desire to 
embroil my beloved country in a war with the czar. 
Why, they might capture Philadelphia, and, think of 
it, my little home is on the outskirts !” 

“ Well, let ’s talk now about the plan to be pur- 
sued : You must have a document, written by some 
fictitious person, asking whether you would be will- 
ing to take as a passenger to Valparaiso a gentleman 
who, at times, is a little out of his head and may 
have to be treated as a prisoner; that if suitable 


CAPTAIN BEN. 


269 


terms can be arranged, he will be brought aboard at 
a certain hour.” 

“ That ’s straight enough. Meanwhile, 1 ’ll enter 
several notes on the log about receiving such and 
such a letter. Trust two Pennsylvania Dutchmen 
for hatching up a plot to confuse the natives, eh, 
Joe ?” 

They talk a little longer, and the details are 
arranged so that there may be no blunder. Unless 
some accident occurs, the shadow of which has not 
yet been seen, they appear to have a firm hold upon 
the game, and the chances indicate a sudden and 
astonishing surprise, together with an unexpected 
sailing on the part of the Russian nobleman. 

Wlien Mynheer Joe leaves the skipper of the 
Avalaytche, he has arranged everything to his satis- 
faction. They understand each other thoroughly 
and nothing is lacking save the production of the 
baron’s body. 

Joe has plenty more to do. Already half the 
morning has passed, and the heat grows more and 
more intense. He has become somewhat used to 
it during his Soudan campaign, and calls himself a 
salamander, since he never flinches from the 
hottest sun. 

From the Burning Ghaut, as the place of inciner- 
ation on the river-bank is called, he heads once 
more for the hotel at the foot of Malabar Hill. 
Bombay is bustling with life, from distant Maz- 
agon on one side to Calabah on the other. Joe 
finds it difficult to even make his way along some 
of the streets, and soon hails a palkee gharry, into 


270 


MYNHEER JOE. 


which he tumbles and is soon dropped at his 
destination. 

The first person he sees is the faithful Kassee ; 
and when he crooks his finger, the other comes to 
his side like a flash. He takes his orders from his 
master, smiles, nods, and is gone. That wonder- 
fully active brain of Kassee’s will handle the matter 
well. No fear of his making a blunder. The only 
one Joe has ever known him to make was in bump- 
ing his head against that obstruction in the Nile, at 
the time they were thrown out of the boat in the 
darkness, and losing his master. 

Having finished with Kassee, and seen him well on 
his way. Mynheer Joe looks up the others who are to 
figure in this little drama that means so much to the 
baron. He finds them upon the piazza of the hotel: 
Sandy lying in a hammock and taking in a story 
told by a gray-haired old officer of the dreadful 
scenes he witnessed during the Sepoy rebellion 
when engaged on the column sent to the relief of 
Lucknow ; Mr. Grimes trying to smoke a native 
hubble-bubble with indifferent success ; while Molly 
and her father have made themselves as easy as 
possible in cane chairs, where the grateful shade is 
densest and the cooling breeze may fan their 
cheeks. 

Rather a picturesque scene they present, the trav- 
eller thinks, as he stops to take it in. At this 
moment Molly spies him and starts up. 

Then, as if remembering herself, she turns scarlet, 
makes a movement as though about to be seated 
again, changes her mind and bravely advances 
toward Joe. 


CAPTAIN BEN. 


271 


“ Well done !” is the mental comment of that gen- 
tleman, who has noted all the phases of this struggle, 
and begins to believe deep down in his heart there 
may be some truth in what Mr. Grimes has told 
him. 

He is too shrewd to give himself away, however, 
and looks very innocent as he greets Miss Tanner. 
- “ Great Jehosaphat! Is that you, Joe ? Come up 
here, young man, and give a strict account of your- 
self!” burst out the sweet voice of the big Illinois 
senator. 

And if the crocodiles of the Ganges could hear the 
full tenor of his siren notes, they would weep 
tears of envy and bellow no more. Talk about your 
steam fog-horn ! The Honorable Demosthenes 
could extinguished such a toy with one blast, and 
then hardly half try. 

This is an invitation such as Joe wants, and to the 
interested quartette he is soon relating what he has 
done to relieve them of the baron, whose presence 
in India means trouble for all. 




CHAPTER XXIII. 

THE NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSSIAN, 

The facts are soon made plain, and every one 
understands the game that Mr. Grimes and Myn- 
heer Joe have hatched up between them. It is 
simple and yet seems to have the necessary qualities 
to insure success. 

As Mr. Grimes predicted to his companion, the 
young American girl is ready to join in the game. 
She knows the risk and dares undertake it for the 
gt^od of the little company. The case has at any 
rate reached a point when heroic treatment is 
necessary in order to accomplish a cure. Such 
instances arrive in the affairs of men as well as in 
surger}’. 

When all has been arranged, each one of the com- 
pany is satisfied, and the game goes on. The baron 
has not been seen since Mr. Grimes pointed him 
out, but he can easily be found when wanted. 

It is now well on toward noon, and the balance 
of the drama must be played within twelve hours, 
for Captain Ben hopes to sail long ere another 
morning breaks upon Bombay. 

Each goes to the appointed’ task. Within the 
[2721 


THE NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSSIAN. 273 

hour a messenger is searching for the baron, bear- 
ing a note without a signature, but which is couched 
in language calculated to cause the Russian to 
smack his lips with pride and satisfaction, confident 
that his conquest is nearly completed, the beautiful 
American bird almost within his grasp, being unable 
to resist the charms of a title. 

These foreigners have come to the conclusion that 
any American beauty or heiress will give up even 
the man she loves, to grasp a coronet. Perhaps a 
lew glaring instances of this kind have made them 
believe that way. They need taking down, and 
Molly Tanner is just the one to champion her sex, 
and teach the aristocracy a lesson. All American 
girls are not for sale. Those whom these foreigners 
buy do not represent the true element of Yankee 
lassi.es, but are in themselves tainted with that 
abject reverence for title so noticeable in England 
and other foreign countries. 

It was just ten minutes of two when the baron 
receives this scented billet doux. He is in a fashion- 
able club, to which he has gained entry through 
letters of introduction, and for purposes of his own. 
At the time he chances to be engaged in a game of 
billiards with a French gentleman of note, travel- 
ling in India to see the country, so it is said, al- 
thoLio-h there are suspicions that he meets the baron 
by appointment. 

France and Russia are hand in glove. Their in- 
terests do not clash, and both secretly hate England. 
In the event of a general European war, in which 
Great Britain received a drubbing, Turkey and 
India would be the spoils of Russia, while Egypt 


274 


MYNHEER JOE. 

must fall to France. These things are-talked of in 
India, where the British troops are but a drop in 
the bucket compared to the natives, and every 
move upon the chess-board of Europe finds its 
responsive throb over the Indian Ocean. Besides, 
the peculiarity of their position causes them to see 
things in a different light. 

When the baron has read his note, he looks 
pleased, and his French companion laughs aloud. 

“Success, baron, eh? You are a lady-killer. 
Who would think it, a man given over to diplo- 
matic intercourse such as my friend, and yet finds 
time for these little amours. I congratulate you. 
Who is it, mon ami f 

The baron shakes his head, and gently deposits 
the perfumed note in his inner pocket. 

“ That would be telling, monsieur. I never give 
my secrets away until I am sure. The bird flutters, 
but I cannot call it mine until my hand closes around 
it. Enough to say, I am afraid the baron is caught 
at last.” 

''Mon Dieu ! Is it so serious as that? I had not 
thought it meant so much. It is too bad, baron, 
that the event of your life should come upon you 
while on this trip.” 

The Russian gives him a look that means much. 

“Never fear, Monsieur Lamar; I am equal to the 
occasion !” 

They drop the subject and knock the balls about 
for some time longer. It is evident, however, that 
the barons letter has broken up his style, for he 
plays like an amateur and finally drops his cue in 
disgust, excusing himself to his friend. 


THE NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSSIAN. 275 

He hardly knows how to pass the time away until 
evening, and the hours must seem like an eternity 
to his impatient soul. 

During the afternoon he has callers at his rooms ; 
several men come to confer with him in a mysterious 
way. It is evident that the baron has connections 
here in Bombay with a powerful clique. This makes 
it doubtful whether the clever little scheme of the 
Americans can be made a success, for some one of 
these elements may happen upon the game and dis- 
cover the truth. Still, such men as Mynheer Joe 
and Mr. Grimes can be trusted to stand up against 
all comers and hold their own. 

Thus the day draws to a close, and the moment- 
ous night creeps over the city on the sacred river — 
a night that will be fraught with great events to sev- 
eral of our characters. 

All hail the coming of evening with joy, for the 
hours have dragged at the last. Even the natives 
rejoice at the setting of the sun. Some of them are 
worshipers of the great fire-god, and can be seen 
doing reverence to his descent behind the watery 
horizon. There are Mohammedans on their knees 
with their faces toward distant Mecca, oblivious of 
all save their prayers, accompanied by the most fan- 
tastic bending of the body. 

These sights are so common in all Eastern coun- 
tries that the old traveller fails to notice them beyond 
a casual glance. 

Baron Popoff, after his dinner, proceeds to make 
an elaborate toilet. He is always something of a 
dandy, but on this particular night he waxes his 


276 


MYNHEER JOE. 


mustache with particular care, so that the ends stand 
out like needles. 

When ready to sally forth, he surveys himself in 
the glass, smiles with satisfaction, as though person- 
ally well-pleased with his appearance, gives a last 
twirl at his mustache and then leaves the house. 

Already he has seen to his preparations, and a 
shigram is waiting at the door, managed by one of 
his own men. The baron is suspicious by nature and 
likes not the idea of being driven about the dark 
streets of Bombay by one in whom he puts no con- 
fidence. 

“ Kito, 3^011 have your orders,” he says in English, 
which language most Hindoos speak. 

“ Oh, yes, sahib — the hotel ; it is all right,” replies 
the Hindoo driver, who has been bought, body and 
soul, with Russian gold. 

Away they go; and en route the baron chuckles to 
himself a dozen times as he pictures the consternation 
and jealous rage of his Yankee rival at finding him 
so favored b3" the fair American. He caresses the 
scented note from time to time, and has read it so 
often that each word comes distinctly before him, 
thus : 

“The writer begs leave to inform the baron that 
she will receive him at eight this evening and be at 
home to no one else. Regarding the proposition 
contained in his letter, the near future can decide 
better than the present.” 


What can he make of this other than a willingness 
to surrender? He, the cunning diplomat, who in 


THK NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSSIAN. 


277 


times past has met and successfully wrestled with 
the most masterly questions of the day, now finds 
himself in the toils of the merciless little god Cupid, 
who throws dust in his eyes and temporarily blinds 
him. 

At the appointed time the vehicle pulls up before 
the hotel, and Baron Popoff alights. He bows to 
several people, looks at his time-piece, smiles to note 
the exactness of his arrival; for the diplomat is a 
great stickler at punctualit}^ and, if going to his exe- 
cution, would want the volley fired at the proper 
time to the second. 

Then he enters the caravansary and gives his card 
to a waiter. Presently that functionary returns 
with the information that the lady is in the parlor, 
and conducts the baron thither. 

He finds Molly and her father in the small parlor, 
quite alone. The presence of the senator is not ex- 
actly to the liking of this ardent lover ; but since 
the game seems to be playing into his hands, he does 
not see how he can feel very badly about it. After 
all, the question is only one of time. He believes he 
has won by virtue of his name, and the father as 
well as the daughter favors his suit. 

No one knows better how to carry himself in the 
drawing-room than the baron, for he has mixed 
much with royalty in his own land and other coun- 
tries where he has been sent as Russia’s agent. 

He apologizes to Demosthenes Tanner for the 
scene in Cairo, and hopes it has been quite forgot- 
ten. At this the giant from Illinois laughs good- 
naturedly and declares that all parties ought to be 
satisfied ; at least, as he and the baron came out of 


278 


MYNHEER JOE. 


the small end of the horn together, there is no reason 
they should be foes. 

Conversation becomes general, and the diplomat 
exerts himself to make a good impression on the 
stout legislator and his daughter. He has a large 
bump of conceit, and believes that as the evening 
passes he draws nearer his goal. 

Several times he finds an opportunity to whisper 
to Molly. She blushes beautifully and holds a 
warning finger up, saying: 

“ Not yet, baron. You must wait until we know 
each other better.” 

Then the courteous Russian bows and smiles and 
mentally pats his shoulder as he sees victory in the 
near future. Poor fool ! So the mighty Samson of 
old may have congratulated himself when making 
love to Delilah, never dreaming that he would 
awaken to find his head shorn and his strength gone. 
So many another giant in the history of the world 
has been brought to his Waterloo by means of the 
blinding god Cupid. 

One thing gives the baron the keenest delight. 
He drinks the sweet cup to the dregs. While en- 
gaged in an animated conversation with Molly, as 
he describes the glories of the Russian capital in 
winter, he chances to glance toward the end of the 
little parlor. 

Here a fine mirror is set in the wall, for the fur- 
nishings of the room are superb. It is in this glass 
he sees what pleases him. 

A man stands in the large drawing-room — a man 
he has good reason to remember, since it was his 
sword that pierced the baron’s shoulder under the 


THE NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSSIAN. 


279 


palms on the bank of the Nile. Mynheer Joe makes 
no move to advance. He seems to have come upon 
the scene by accident, and is rooted to the spot. 
The wily diplomat sees his opportunity. He will 
now proceed to put a weapon more painful than a 
sword into the Yankee’s heart. 

“If you will pardon me for taking your hand, 
Miss Tanner,” pleaded the baron, “ I will explain to 
you how the ladies are supposed to act when being 
presented to the czarina, as I hope ere long you will 
have that pleasure.” 

She allows it, of course, although half understand- 
ing his motif. That is the picture Mynheer Joe 
gazes upon — his hated rival in the act of raising 
Molly’s sweet hand to his lips. 

All the while the baron has one eye on the mirror. 
He sees the look of fury upon Joe’s face, notes that 
he presses a hand against his brow, as though struck 
a blow, and turning, rushes out of the room. 

Then the diplomat smiles. He no longer feels the 
pain in his shoulder. It has been wiped out by this 
last clever stroke of fortune, since he believes he 
has given better than he received — a Roland for an 
Oliver. 

The Russian’s cup is full to overflowing. He 
thinks fortune has turned to smile upon him again. 
It is like a toboggan slide — one has to toil up the 
hill, but the exhilaration of the descent pays for the 
trouble. 

In that descent, so speedy and grand, all obstacles 
must be swept out of the way. Since Mynheer 
Joe is one of these obstructions he will find him- 


i280 


MYNHEER JOE. 


self hurled through space perhaps before he knows 
what is wrong. 

Little does the wily baron suspect that all this 
affair is a deep-laid scheme, which has for its foun- 
dation the desire to rid the little company of his 
hated presence. They find it impossible to breathe 
in the same air as the diplomat, and hence there 
must be an exodus on the part of someone. 

Like everything else in this world, the evening 
must come to an end, although the baron makes no 
note of the lapse of time. He finds the old senator 
yawning frequently with a noise like the rushing of 
a mighty wind through the forest, and wonders 
why he does not betake himself off ; but the legisla- 
tor shows no signs of doing it. Evidently the suitor 
must content himself with the progress already 
made, and leave the balance for another time. 

He makes an engagement for the following morn- 
ing — immediately after breakfast he will be on hand 
with a palkee gharry to take Miss Tanner and her 
father to meet some of the highest dignitaries of 
India, just at this time chancing to be in Bombay. 
The American girl accepts the invitation in a way 
that at another time might excite a little suspicion 
in the brain of the diplomat, but just now he is too 
intoxicated by love to notice it. This is what Miss 
Molly says : 

“We will be ready to go with you when you come, 
baron. Eight o’clock, remember.” 

“ To the minute,” he responds, bowing low over 
her hand and even daring to press it. 

The young girl smiles as she bids him good-night, 
while Demosthenes bubbles over in hiseffusive way. 


THE NOTE THAT DOWNED THE RUSFIAN. 


281 


Botli are thinking of the same thing, that at eight 
o’clock on the following day Baron Popoff in order 
to keep his engagement may have to walk over 
miles of green water, unless the carefully laid plans 
of the plotters fail to operate. 

The next hour will tell. It is fraught with deep 
suspense for Molly. The senator retires, but she 
continues to keep her seat in the parlor, awaiting 
news. 




CHAPTER XXIV. 

“ BON VOYAGE, MYNHEER JOE !” 

The baron finds his vehicle awaiting him just out- 
side the hotel. His driver is on hand, and with his 
usual form shows the nobleman into the carriage. 
Some jocular remark is made by the baron, who is 
in such a decidedly jolly humor that he can even 
notice a menial. 

Just as they are about to move off, a man gives a 
signal, and the baron stops the vehicle while he holds 
a low consultation. The driver sits like a statue. 
If he hears, he gives no evidence of it ; at any rate, 
the talk must be a sealed book to him, for the men 
converse in Russian. 

“ Move on, Kito,” conies the order. 

The stranger has not entered the vehicle, and yet, 
when the driver casts a look behind, he fails to see 
him. Of course, the shadows are dense along under 
the trees near the hotel, and it may be he has secreted 
himself among these. Again it is possible he hangs 
on behind the vehicle. 

Away they go, in a cloud of dust, in the direction 
of the city proper, where lights still abound, and 
[282] 


“ BON VOYAGE, MYNHEER JOE !” 


283 


there is no sign of sleep, such as would be falling 
upon an American city at this hour. 

The baron leans back in his equipage and gives 
himself up to delicious reflection. He has won 
many diplomatic victories in the past, but, really, 
for the life of him, he cannot remember one that has 
given him half as much genuine pleasure as this sig- 
nal conquest. 

He declares he is beginning to grow old ; that 
this is the real reason Mynheer Joe got the better of 
him in the affair of honor. But if he is unable to 
wield the sword with the same dexterity as of yore, 
he has gained in other things. As a man grows 
older, he is apt to prove more foolish with regard 
to love affairs. The baron knows it, and does not 
deny the soft impeachment with regard to himself. 
It is time he was marrying and keeping his place in 
the family. 

These sorts of comfortable reflections come to his 
mind when he lolls back in comfort in the shigram 
and thinks of the future. Mynheer Joe, outwitted 
at last and deserted by the fair American, will fly 
from India. The baron may finish his diplomatic 
task with honor, proceed with his bride to St. 
Petersburg and be received with great ^clat by both 
potentate and people whom he has mutually served 
by his brilliant work. 

Thus he muses, smoking his cigar meanwhile and 
taking life as comfortably as he can. It strikes him 
that the vehicle is tossing about more than is neces- 
sary, if the driver has taken the direct road, and the 
baron idly thrusts his head out of the open window. 

The moon is concealed for the time, being back 


284 


MYNHEER JOE. 


of some clouds, so that all he can make out is that 
the neighborhood does not seem familiar. Just 
then there is a grand lurch ; one side of the shigram 
drops into a small cavity in the street, and the baron 
comes very near being tossed out. He has the 
breath somewhat shaken from his body by the sud- 
den concussion. The vehicle comes to a sudden 
stand. This makes the baron furious; he has a vio- 
lent temper that occasionally flashes into hot heat 
when things do not go to please him. 

“ Kito !” he roars, shaking the door. 

Sahib, I am here,” answers a voice. 

“ Oh, you are! Unfasten this door! 1 cannot 
make it slide,” snaps the baron. 

Sahib, it opens this way.” Whereupon the 
baron steps out upon the street. 

“ Where are we ?” he demands, looking around at 
the diml}^ seen houses, with their strange fronts. 
“ I do not recognize the place. This is not the road 
from the hotel to my rooms — the road we travelled 
over in going. Speak, Kito !” 

“ It is not, sahib," meekly replies the humble 
driver, who stands close by him. 

“ How does this come, miserable dog?” demands 
the Russian, half tempted to chastise the wretch 
who has led him into this pickle. 

“ It is my fault. I thought to take a short cut to 
your room^. The moon betrayed me. I saw not 
this hole. Thank Allah it is no worse,” replies the 
other, endeavoring apparently to conciliate him ; 
but the enraged Russian grows warmer every min- 
ute. 

“‘No worse!’ You fool, unless we can lift the 


285 


“ BON VOYAGE, MYNHEER JOE 

wheel out of the hole, 1 may have to walk — all 
through your stupidity! Do you know, I’ve a 
mind to teach you a lesson such as the serfs in Rus- 
sia learned long ago 1” 

With that, the baron, blind with passion, leaps 
over to the vehicle and snatches the whip. 

It is a wicked-looking instrument of torture, 
especially in the hand of one who knows how to 
handle such a thing ; and the baron, no doubt, has 
had enough experience among sledge-dogs during 
his journeys in the frozen wastes of Siberia to be 
able to pluck a piece of flesh from a certain spot on 
an animal. An adept with such a whip can annihi- 
late a horse-fly that has lodged upon the back of the 
leader, and, although the report sounds dike the dis- 
charge of a pistol, the animal has not been even 
touched. 

It can be set down as certain, therefore, that 
the person familiar with a whip has no desire to 
feel such an instrument of torture laid upon his 
back or legs. Kito raises his hand in protest. 

“ Sahib, forbear 1 It would not be well for you to 
strike me,” he says calmly. 

The moon has appeared again. It shows a singular 
spectacle — the shigram partly turned over, the angry 
baron, whip in hand, and the splendid figure of his 
Hindoo driver standing there in an attitude of fear- 
less warning, his right arm raised as if to keep the 
Russian from going too far. 

Perhaps the baron had seen the knout laid upon 
wretched humanity so often in his native land that 
his first inclination is to use a whip upon one for 
whom he has conceived a sudden anger, not count- 


280 


MYNHEER JOE. 


ing tlic consequences. That may do when applied 
to the debased serfs of Russia, but it will not be 
endured in this land, where proud blood flows 
through the veins of even the meanest of the peo- 
ple. 

The baron does not know what he invites. He 
sees the action of his driver, and instead of moderat- 
ing his zeal, it enrages him still more. 

“ You scoundrel ! Dare to threaten me, a Russian 
nobleman! Take that.” 

Even as he speaks he gives the cruel whip a sud- 
den momentum. The lash cuts the air and comes 
with a tremendous snap against the limbs of the 
Hindoo driver. 

He simply gives an exelamation, although the 
pain must be intense. Hardly has the blow been 
struck than the athletic form of the driver is seen in 
motion. Instead of retreating, he springs toward 
the baron. Already he is too near the Russian for 
the other to apply the lash a second time. 

He immediately drops the whip, having no further 
use for it, and throws himself into an attitude of 
self-defense. 

In addition to being a master with the foils and a 
champion pistol-shot, the baron has done what Rus- 
sian officers do not practice as much as their British 
cousins; he knows the science of self-defense. He 
is not a giant in size, nor yet a pigmy, but a well- 
formed man, with muscles hardened by constant 
exercise. 

Thus, when the Hindoo driver comes plunging at 
him, Baron Popoff assumes his favorite attitude and 


BON VOYAGE, MYNHEER JOE !” 


287 


expects to lay the fellow out with one solid blow. 
Like many another mart, he counts without his host. 

As the driver reaches the baron, he, too, has his 
hands before him in pugilistic style. There is a 
quick interchange of blows, some lightning coun- 
ters, and the dull sound of a heavy stroke is heard. 

Baron Popoff gives no cry, but sinks to the ground 
several feet away, senseless. Perhaps, in that brief 
space of time when he finds his most difficult leads 
met and parried by his antagonist, some dim sus- 
picion of the truth may have flashed into his brain. 
No common Hindoo driver could use his fists in 
that style. 

Before he has time to form a definite conclusion 
however, there comes the blow that all his science 
cannot ward off, and the unlucky Russian knows no 
more until he opens his eyes on a strange scene, 
with the shores of India low down in the east. 

Others have made their appearance — Mr. Grimes 
himself. Besides, here is Kassee and Sandy Barlow. 

Then the Hindoo driver, Kito, the man who 
delivered such a telling blow to the baron, must 
also be an old acquaintance. Mr. Grimes has him 
by the hand. In a cheery tone he exclaims : 

“ That was a knockout worthy of a Sullivan, Myn- 
heer Joe. It cancels all your past obligations to the 
baron.” 

“ He struck me with the whip, the beggar,” says 
joe, ruefully rubbing the spot where the terrible 
lash had flecked him and drawn blood. “ It’s lucky 
for him my nature differs from his own, or I 'd have 
his life for that blow.” 


288 


MYNHEER JOE. 


“ If you haven’t taken it already. I ’m afraid 
you ’ve broken his neck,” says Grimes. 

“ Oh, no! He ’ll come to presently. We have the 
chloroform ready to dose him. Come, lay hold of 
the wheel. She went in as neat as you please,” from 
which talk it may be inferred that there has been 
something singular about the accident that has 
occurred to the baron’s palkee gharry. 

The vehicle is raised upon a sound portion of the 
pavement. Then the still senseless Russian nobleman 
is placed within, and Sandy gets alongside, having 
the chloroform ready, while the man who has taken 
the place of the original Kito, who lies in a stupor 
at this hour in the rear of the Malabar Hotel, his 
liquor having been drugged, mounts to the driver’s 
seat. 

“You will look after that party, sir?” he calls 
back. 

“ Rest easy. When he comes to, in the morning, 
he will find himself lying by the Towers of Silence, 
with no one to tell him how he got there. Go your 
way, Joe,” returns Mr. Grimes. 

An hour later, the strange passenger is handed 
up the side of the good ^\\v^ Avalanche. A few low 
words are exchanged between the captain and the 
swarthy Hindoo, whose arms seem of steel ; then a 
warm handshake, a “ God bless you. Mynheer Joe 1” 
and they separate. 

As Joe and the little newspaper correspondent 
leave the boat at the ghaut, they see the ship glid- 
ing toward the sea and bearing the vindictive 
Russian diplomat to far-away Valparaiso. In all 
probability he will never cross their path again. 


289 


“ BON VOYAGE, MYNHEER JOE !” 

The little party met at the early chota hazri, and 
around the table the story is told in low tones. Even 
the old war-horse, Demosthenes Tanner, confesses 
to a feeling of relief, now that the baron will give 
them no more trouble. He experiences the sensa- 
tions of a man who, after vainly striking repeatedly 
at a bothersome fly, finally succeeds by a lucky 
blow in demolishing his tormentor. 

it is not necessary that we should follow these 
friends further. With the disappearance of ther 
baron from the field, their troubles cease, and the 
sea before them promises pleasant sailing. 

Mynheer Joe manages his case with wisdom and 
tact. Much planning is done by those concerned, 
and, finally, when they reach Calcutta, the vivacious 
Molh" becomes Mrs. Mynheer Joe. It is decided 
that Joe and his bride set sail for China, to explore 
that country, while the others head for New York, 
via London. 

Thus, one pleasant July morning — the most 
delightful of all months in India — these two stand 
on the deck of the Hong Kong steamer, waving 
farewell to the friends on shore, while the fog-horn 
voice of the Illinois statesman comes over the green 
waters like a benison, calling : 

“ Bofig voyage^ Mynheer Joe, bong voyage dear 
boy !” 

And there the curtain falls. 


THE END. 


A Fresh Translation from the German. 


DEAR ELSIE 

Ql ISiovti 


TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF 

JOHANNES VAN DEWALL, # 


BY 

MARY J. SAFFORD, 

I'ranslator of Wife and Woman f Little Heather-Blossom f 
'•'‘Love Is Lord of All f “ True Daughter of 
Hartensteinf etc.y etc, 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY WARREN B. DAVIS AND WILSON 
DE MEZA. 

12mo. 336 Pages. Handsomely Bound in Cloth. Price, $1.00. 

Paper Cover, 50 Cents. 


All who have read Miss Safford’s delightful translations from 
the German will welcome ‘‘Dear Elsie,” which is one of the 
sweetest and prettiest and most artistic novels from the German 
that we have met with. The characters are quite out of the com- 
mon run, and glimpses are given of high life in Paris, of brilliant 
scenes under the Empire, and of the perils of a youthful heiress 
in the brilliant and corrupt society gathered from all parts of 
Europe by the lavish display of Louis Napoleon’s court at the 
Tuileries. But in German novels, as in German life, honest love 
and simplicity and sincerity of character come out of the crucible 
only purified and strengthened. 


For sale by all booksellers and newsdealers, or sent, postpaid, 
on receipt of price, ^the publishers, 

^ p/ RcSllRT BONNER’S SONS, 

^ \) OcoR. William and Spruce Streets, New York. 























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